What reading level is Willow?

Willow by Tonya Hegamin is at a Level 5-6 reading level (Lexile 810L). Recommended for Middle Grades readers (Ages 9-12).

What age is Willow appropriate for?

Willow is recommended for Ages 9-12. Content intensity: "Moderate" (3/5). Content flags: Fear & Anxiety, Slavery, Mild Peril.

What genre is Willow?

Willow is fiction — Juvenile Fiction.

Does Willow have any content warnings?

Willow has a content intensity rating of "Moderate" (3/5). Content flags include: Fear & Anxiety, Slavery, Mild Peril. On HootRated, every book is rated for emotional, physical, and social content themes to help parents make informed choices.

How many pages is Willow?

Willow by Tonya Hegamin is 374 pages.

Willow

Tonya Hegamin

Willow

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

by Tonya Hegamin

Reading Level 5-6 Moderate (Lvl 3) Ages 9-12 Matched

The text is written at a 5th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content has moderate intensity with some emotionally heavy themes.

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About This Book

The crackle of the fire mixes with the sweet scent of pine as Willow carefully traces letters in the dusty air. She’s learning to read and write, a secret gift from someone she trusts, yet fear shadows her every step. When she meets Cato, a brave boy helping others escape to freedom, her world begins to change in ways she never imagined.

Themes

SlaveryFriendship Coming of Age Historical Adventure

Quick Assessment

Willow is a middle-grade historical fiction novel that explores themes of slavery, freedom, and courage through the eyes of a young girl living near the Mason-Dixon Line. Suitable for ages 9-12, it sensitively depicts the challenges of the era, including the dangers faced by runaway slaves and the hope found in literacy and friendship. Parents should note the book involves historical realities of slavery and themes of fear and bravery.