Hexed
Michelle Krys
Hexed
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Michelle Krys
The text is written at a 7th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.
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About This Book
The air smells like old paper and candle wax, thick with secrets hidden in the attic. Indigo’s fingers tremble as she clutches an ancient family Bible, its pages whispering warnings no one else can hear. What if this mysterious stranger’s words are true—could the magic she loves be the very thing that puts her in danger?
Themes
Quick Assessment
Hexed follows sixteen-year-old Indigo Blackwood, a popular cheerleader whose world turns upside down when a stranger warns her that a stolen family Bible may threaten witches everywhere, including her. This middle-grade paranormal fiction blends themes of magic and identity with suspense suitable for ages 9-12. Parents should note the story contains mild supernatural elements and suspenseful situations but no graphic content.
Why we rated Hexed 12LE
Hexed is written at a Level 7 reading level across 373 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 8.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Hexed works for readers up to grade 9.0.
We rate Hexed as 12LE ("Light — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Mild" range — mild conflict — the kind a child encounters in normal play and sibling life. Across our four dimensions (emotional, physical, social, thematic) the book reads as evenly mild; no single dimension stands out as a concern.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the mild intensity score.
Thematically, Hexed explores magic, paranormal fiction, popularity, and family — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 9-12 range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
- ✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about magic, paranormal fiction, popularity.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers whose emotional readiness lags behind their decoding skills — this book's intensity outruns its reading level, a classic "gifted kid" mismatch.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
12LE — Light — EmotionalLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
1/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
2/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780385743372
- Pages
- 373
- Publisher
- Delacorte Press
- Published
- 2014
- Type
- Fiction