Daddy's climbing tree
by C. S. Adler
Clarion Books 1993
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- family
- divorce and separation
- grief and healing
- resilience
- friendship
- self-discovery
- change and new beginnings
- nature as refuge
About this book
After a family upheaval, a spirited middle-school girl finds comfort and courage in the old tree she and her father once climbed together. As she navigates a new town, new school pressures, and changing family dynamics, the tree becomes her quiet place to think and heal. With relatable feelings and everyday drama, this realistic story speaks to kids dealing with change. Readers who enjoy heartfelt, hopeful tales about family and friendship will connect with this one.
Setting: small-town New York, contemporary 1990s
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Daddy's climbing tree right for my child?
Yes — Daddy's climbing tree is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.6, which is typical for 4th grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 9–14 (4th–8th grade). Themes include family, divorce and separation, grief and healing.
How long does it take to read Daddy's climbing tree?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Daddy's climbing tree takes around 3.3h to finish. The book has 30,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Daddy's climbing tree have an AR quiz?
Yes — Daddy's climbing tree has an AR quiz available, worth 5 points. Your child will need to take and pass the quiz through their school's Accelerated Reader program to earn credit. The quiz is typically 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, characters, and setting.
What grade level is Daddy's climbing tree?
Daddy's climbing tree has an AR reading level of 4.6, which places it at a 4th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8) — this reflects the age-appropriateness of the content and themes, not just the reading difficulty. A strong younger reader may handle the words fine while the themes are aimed at an older audience, or vice versa.