The Monkey Tree
by Janet Anderson
Dutton Juvenile 1998
Easy read — content targets 6th grade and up
Reading level 5.5 (5th grade) but themes aimed at ages 11+
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Genre
Themes
- family secrets
- isolation and connection
- mental health
- art and creativity
- identity and self-discovery
- healing
- intergenerational relationships
About this book
Fourteen-year-old Susanna sees the world through an artist’s eyes—and she’s drawn to the quiet, secret-filled sanctuary of her great-uncle Louis, who hasn’t left his bedroom in twenty years. As Susanna retreats from the noise of everyday life, she begins to untangle family mysteries and the reasons people hide. Janet S. Anderson crafts a thoughtful, literary story about sensitivity, creativity, and the pull between safety and connection. Readers who enjoy character-driven stories and rich, reflective writing will find a quiet power here.
Setting: contemporary small-town United States
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Monkey Tree right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for The Monkey Tree. The reading level is AR 5.5, which is typical for 5th grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades Plus (6+), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 11+ (6th grade and up). Themes include family secrets, isolation and connection, mental health.
How long does it take to read The Monkey Tree?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, The Monkey Tree takes around 4.8h to finish. The book has 48,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does The Monkey Tree have an AR quiz?
Yes — The Monkey Tree has an AR quiz available, worth 7 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 Monkey Tree?
The Monkey Tree has an AR reading level of 5.5, which places it at a 5th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Middle Grades Plus (6+) — 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.