Hallucinogens
Daniel E. Harmon
Hallucinogens
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Daniel E. Harmon
Drug Abuse and Society
The text is written at a 8th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for teens (ages 13+), and the content has moderate intensity with some emotionally heavy themes.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
Explore the world of hallucinogenic substances, uncovering their origins, effects, and the role they play in today's culture. This insightful narrative delves into the complex history and societal influence of these powerful drugs.
Quick Assessment
This is a Level 8-9 book with moderate content intensity. Content themes include substance use. Written for readers ages 13+.
Why we rated Hallucinogens 12MS
Hallucinogens is written at a Level 8-9 reading level across 66 pages (approximately 8,505 words). Strong independent readers around grade 9.4 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Hallucinogens works for readers up to grade 10.4.
Read aloud, Hallucinogens takes about 57 minutes, which fits within a single read-aloud session.
We rate Hallucinogens as 12MS ("Moderate — Social") because the content sits in the "Moderate" range — moderate conflict that may involve loss, scary scenes, or interpersonal stakes. The strongest signals come from social complexity — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Substance Use.
Thematically, Hallucinogens weaves together science & nature and social justice.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 13+ range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
- ✓ Readers who like a steady plot with enough momentum to keep pages turning.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about science & nature, social justice.
- ✓ Curious kids who prefer real-world topics over made-up stories.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers who get easily upset by emotional or moderately dark scenes — the conflict here is real, not just background flavor.
- ! Readers whose emotional readiness lags behind their decoding skills — this book's intensity outruns its reading level, a classic "gifted kid" mismatch.
For Parents
Content Intensity
12MS — Moderate — SocialReal stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.
Content Flags
Was our "Moderate" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
6/10Engaging read with solid pacing and interesting themes.
Discussion Potential
3/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
LSD, PCP & other hallucinogens
Jane Ellen Phillips
LSD, PCP & other hallucinogens
Jane Ellen Phillips
Mushrooms, psychedelic fungi
Peter T. Furst
Mushrooms, psychedelic fungi
Peter T. Furst
LSD and other hallucinogens
Christine Petersen
LSD and other hallucinogens
Christine Petersen
The origins & sources of drugs
Alan Theodore
The origins & sources of drugs
Alan Theodore
Drugs and the body
Lorrie Klosterman
Drugs and the body
Lorrie Klosterman
Drugs, Group 2 (Drugs)
Marshall Cavendish Corporation
Drugs, Group 2 (Drugs)
Marshall Cavendish Corporation
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781435850125
- Pages
- 66
- Publisher
- The Rosen Publishing Group, Inc
- Published
- 2009
- Type
- Nonfiction
- Word Count
- 8,505
- Read-Aloud
- ~57 min
- Text Density
- Light Text