Tree By Leaf
Cynthia Voigt
Tree By Leaf
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Cynthia Voigt
Illustrated by Suzanne Duranceau
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
Clothilde's quiet life changes forever when her family must sell a special piece of land she inherited—land that holds more secrets than she ever imagined. Suddenly, wishes start coming true, but not without a cost that tests her bravery. What will Clothilde sacrifice to protect what she loves?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade novel follows 12-year-old Clothilde as her family faces financial struggles and must sell a cherished piece of land in Maine. The story explores themes of family responsibility, courage, and the consequences of wishes coming true. Suitable for ages 9-12, it thoughtfully addresses change and emotional growth without graphic content.
Why we rated Tree By Leaf 11LE
Tree By Leaf is written at a Level 6 reading level across 240 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Tree By Leaf works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate Tree By Leaf 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, Tree By Leaf explores family, emotions & feelings, historical, and coming of age — 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.
- ✓ Readers ready to talk through themes after they finish — there's enough substance for a meaningful conversation.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about family, emotions & feelings, historical.
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
1/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
4/10Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780689835278
- Pages
- 240
- Publisher
- Aladdin Paperbacks
- Published
- May 1, 2000
- Type
- Fiction