Poison
Molly Cochran
Poison
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Molly Cochran
The text is written at a 7th 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.
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About This Book
What if a single gift could change everything you are? Katy finds herself caught between the ordinary halls of Ainsworth School and the mysterious world of Avalon, where powerful witches lurk. But when the poison inside her awakens, will she control it—or will it control her?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade fantasy novel explores themes of good versus evil through the story of Katy, who receives a supernatural poison that compels her toward violence. Set against the backdrop of a boarding school and the magical realm of Avalon, the book introduces young readers to complex themes involving witchcraft and moral choices. Suitable for ages 9 to 12, it contains elements of fantasy peril and magical conflict that may prompt discussions about self-control and consequences.
Why we rated Poison 12ME
Poison is written at a Level 7 reading level across 368 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 8.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Poison works for readers up to grade 9.0.
We rate Poison as 12ME ("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, thematic difficulty — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the moderate intensity score.
Thematically, Poison explores fantasy world-building, good vs evil, supernatural, witches, and boarding school — 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 fantasy world-building, good vs evil, supernatural.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers who get easily upset by emotional or moderately dark scenes — the conflict here is real, not just background flavor.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
12ME — Moderate — EmotionalReal stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.
Was our "Moderate" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
1/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
3/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781442450516
- Pages
- 368
- Publisher
- Simon and Schuster
- Published
- 2014
- Type
- Fiction