Poison
Bridget Zinn
Poison
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Bridget Zinn
The text is written at a 6th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), 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
What if your best friend was also your biggest enemy? Imagine being a master of potions, trusted to protect your kingdom, but forced to make a choice that could change everything. When a single mistake turns you into a hunted fugitive, how far would you go to survive and save the people you love?
Themes
Quick Assessment
Poison is a middle-grade fantasy novel about Kyra, a talented potions master who faces a dangerous moral dilemma when tasked with assassinating the princess—her best friend. The story explores themes of friendship, loyalty, and survival, set against a backdrop of magic and political intrigue. Suitable for readers aged 9-12, it contains mild peril and fantasy violence but handles complex emotions thoughtfully.
Why we rated Poison 11ME
Poison is written at a Level 6 reading level across 276 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Poison works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate Poison as 11ME ("Moderate — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Moderate" range — moderate conflict that may involve loss, scary scenes, or interpersonal stakes. The strongest signals come from emotional weight, physical peril — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Mild Peril, Fantasy Violence.
Thematically, Poison explores friendship, adventure, fantasy world-building, and magic — 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 friendship, adventure, fantasy world-building.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers who get easily upset by emotional or moderately dark scenes — the conflict here is real, not just background flavor.
- ! Children who are sensitive to violence, even when handled at age-appropriate levels.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11ME — Moderate — EmotionalReal 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
2/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
2/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
Poison princess
Kresley Cole
Poison princess
Kresley Cole
Poisoned blade
Kate Elliott
Poisoned blade
Kate Elliott
Poison
Molly Cochran
Poison
Molly Cochran
Poisoned
Jennifer Donnelly
Poisoned
Jennifer Donnelly
Poison
Chris Wooding
Poison
Chris Wooding
Poisoned
Jennifer Donnelly
Poisoned
Jennifer Donnelly
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780545649575
- Pages
- 276
- Publisher
- Scholastic, Incorporated
- Published
- 2014
- Type
- Fiction