The Voice of the Tree
Robert Holland
The Voice of the Tree
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Robert Holland
The text is written at a 4th 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
Eddie races across the ice, the cold wind stinging his face, when suddenly his body aches fade away—like magic. But this isn’t just a game; Eddie’s discovered he can heal himself and others, a secret tied to his ancient family roots. Just as he starts to understand his power, a shadowy figure watches from the stands...
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade novel follows 13-year-old Eddie, a young hockey player who learns he descends from ancient healers and possesses the ability to heal himself and others. The story combines elements of mystery and sports, suitable for readers aged 9-12, and explores themes of identity and self-discovery without intense content. Parents should know the book contains mild suspense and fantasy elements but no graphic content.
Why we rated The Voice of the Tree 9LE
The Voice of the Tree is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 166 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The Voice of the Tree works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate The Voice of the Tree as 9LE ("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 Voice of the Tree explores mystery, sports, coming of age, and fantasy world-building — 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.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about mystery, sports, coming of age.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers looking for something heavier — this is a gentle, low-stakes story by design.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9LE — Light — EmotionalLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
3/10A 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
- 9780965852319
- Pages
- 166
- Publisher
- Frost Hollow Publishing, LLC
- Published
- June 1997
- Type
- Fiction