Poisoned
Kristi Holl
Poisoned
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Kristi Holl
The text is written at a 4th 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
Jeri races down the dim hallway, her heart pounding as another girl collapses in the dorm. Something's not right—these aren't just random illnesses. But who could be behind this, and why? Everything hangs on the next clue she finds.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade mystery centers on Jeri, a student at a boarding school who suspects that her classmates' sudden illnesses are not accidental but deliberate poisonings. The story weaves themes of detective work, friendship, and Christian values in a suspenseful yet age-appropriate way for readers ages 9-12. Parents should note the focus on mystery and mild peril but no graphic content.
Why we rated Poisoned 9LE
Poisoned is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 128 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Poisoned works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate Poisoned as 9LE ("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, Poisoned explores detective and mystery stories, private schools, christian life, and adventure — 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 detective and mystery stories, private schools, christian life.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9LE — Light — EmotionalLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
2/10A 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
- 9780310720959
- Pages
- 128
- Publisher
- Zondervan
- Published
- 2011
- Type
- Fiction