The silver tree
Ruth L. Williams
The silver tree
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Ruth L. Williams
The text is written at a 6th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.
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About This Book
There’s a secret tucked away in time itself, and Micki Silver holds the key. She made a wish that could unravel everything she loves—her family, her world. But changing the past is never simple, and this is only the beginning.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade fiction follows Micki Silver as she travels back in time to prevent a dangerous wish from destroying her family. The story explores themes of time travel and the consequences of choices, suitable for ages 9-12. It contains mild suspense but no intense content, making it appropriate for its target audience.
Why we rated The silver tree 11LE
The silver tree is written at a Level 6 reading level across 213 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The silver tree works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate The silver tree as 11LE ("Light — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Mild" range — mild conflict — the kind a child encounters in normal play and sibling life. Across our four dimensions (emotional, physical, social, thematic) the book reads as evenly mild; no single dimension stands out as a concern.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the mild intensity score.
Thematically, The silver tree explores adventure, science & nature, family, and time travel — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 9-12 range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
- ✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about adventure, science & nature, family.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11LE — Light — EmotionalLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
2/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
2/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 0060202963
- Pages
- 213
- Publisher
- HarperCollins Publishers
- Published
- 1992
- Type
- Fiction