The Forest of Hands and Teeth
by Carrie Ryan
Delacorte Press Books for Young Readers 2009
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 5.4 (5th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Retailer links may be affiliate links.
Genre
Themes
- survival
- courage
- identity and choice
- community vs. individuality
- hope and resilience
- love and sacrifice
- loss and grief
- conformity and control
About this book
In a fenced-in village hemmed by a terrifying forest, Mary has been taught that safety lies in strict rules and faith. When cracks appear in what she’s always believed, she risks everything to discover what might exist beyond the trees—and the Unconsecrated who haunt them. This tense, atmospheric story blends survival, romance, and mystery for teens who like page‑turning dystopian adventures. Parents should know it contains zombie peril and suspenseful action, suited for mature young readers.
Setting: a secluded, post-apocalyptic village bordered by the Forest of Hands and Teeth
Readers also enjoyed
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Forest of Hands and Teeth right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for The Forest of Hands and Teeth. The reading level is AR 5.4, which is typical for 5th grade. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 14+ (9th–12th grade). Themes include survival, courage, identity and choice.
How long does it take to read The Forest of Hands and Teeth?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, The Forest of Hands and Teeth takes around 8.0h to finish. The book has 79,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does The Forest of Hands and Teeth have an AR quiz?
Yes — The Forest of Hands and Teeth has an AR quiz available, worth 11 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 The Forest of Hands and Teeth?
The Forest of Hands and Teeth has an AR reading level of 5.4, which places it at a 5th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12) — 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.