Murderous Maths
Kjartan Poskitt
Murderous Maths
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
the Magic of Maths
by Kjartan Poskitt
The text is written at a 6th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content is gentle with no concerning themes.
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About This Book
Numbers swirl around as you watch a card vanish into thin air—how did math make that happen? Suddenly, a mysterious formula flashes before your eyes, promising secrets that calculators can't crack. Just when you think you've got it, the magic math challenges you to go even deeper...
Themes
Quick Assessment
This entertaining book introduces children ages 9-12 to the fascinating world of mathematics through engaging tricks and puzzles. Aligned with the primary national curriculum, it encourages critical thinking and problem-solving without relying on calculators. There is no concerning content, making it suitable for middle-grade readers interested in math and fun challenges.
Why we rated Murderous Maths 11C
Murderous Maths is written at a Level 6 reading level across 211 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Murderous Maths works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate Murderous Maths as 11C ("Clear") because the content sits in the "Gentle" range — no conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Across our four dimensions (emotional, physical, social, thematic) the book reads as evenly gentle; no single dimension stands out as a concern.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the gentle intensity score.
Thematically, Murderous Maths explores mathematics, tricks, juvenile literature, education, and problem solving — 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 mathematics, tricks, juvenile literature.
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
11C — ClearNo conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Safe for sensitive readers.
Was our "Gentle" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
1/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
1/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781407156415
- Pages
- 211
- Publisher
- Scholastic UK
- Published
- 2014
- Type
- Fiction