What reading level is Underground?

Underground by Denise Fleming is at a Level 1-2 reading level (Lexile 290L). Recommended for Lower Grades readers (Ages 5-8).

What age is Underground appropriate for?

Underground is recommended for Ages 5-8. HootRating: 6C (Clear).

What genre is Underground?

Underground is fiction — Juvenile Fiction.

Does Underground have any content warnings?

Underground has a HootRating of 6C (Clear). No specific content flags noted. On HootRated, every book is rated across four dimensions — emotional, physical, social, and thematic — to help parents make informed choices.

How many pages is Underground?

Underground by Denise Fleming is 40 pages.

Reviewed by HootRated editorial · Last updated August 1, 2026

Underground

Denise Fleming

Underground

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

by Denise Fleming

Reading Level 1-2 6C Ages 5-8 Matched

The text is written at a 1st grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for younger children (ages 5–8), and the content is gentle with no concerning themes.

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About This Book

Feel the cool, crumbly soil squish between your fingers as tiny creatures scurry beneath your feet. Listen closely to the whispers of worms, ants, and moles as they burrow deep in the hidden world underground. Their secret lives are full of surprises, waiting just beneath the surface to be discovered.

Themes

AnimalsStories in rhymeUnderground areasBurrowing animalsFiction

Quick Assessment

This vibrant picture book introduces young readers to the fascinating world of underground animals through rhythmic, engaging text and bold, colorful illustrations. Designed for early readers aged 5 to 8, it encourages curiosity about nature and includes a helpful glossary to expand vocabulary. The content is gentle, making it appropriate for children in early elementary grades.

Why we rated Underground 6C

Underground is written at a Level 1-2 reading level with a Lexile measure of 290L across 40 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 2.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Underground works for readers up to grade 3.5.

We rate Underground as 6C ("Clear") because the content sits in the "Gentle" range — no conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Across our four dimensions (emotional, physical, social, thematic) the book reads as evenly gentle; no single dimension stands out as a concern.

No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the gentle intensity score.

Thematically, Underground explores animals, stories in rhyme, underground areas, burrowing animals, and fiction — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.

Good fit for

✓ Children in the Ages 5-8 range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
✓ Kids drawn to stories about animals, stories in rhyme, underground areas.