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So mote it be

Michael Thomas Ford

Cover of So mote it be

So mote it be

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

by Michael Thomas Ford

Reading Level 6 11LE Ages 9-12 Balanced Read

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 mild with minimal sensitive material.

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About This Book

Kate chants the words of a love spell, but it spins wildly out of control. Strange things start happening, and she can't undo the magic alone. Two mysterious strangers might hold the key—if she can find them before it's too late.

Themes

WitchesOccult fictionFriendshipAdventureMagic

Quick Assessment

This middle-grade fantasy follows Kate, a young witch who accidentally casts a powerful love spell with unexpected consequences. The story explores themes of magic and friendship with some mild suspense, suitable for readers aged 9 to 12. There is no graphic content, but parents should note the presence of occult themes and mild magical peril.

Why we rated So mote it be 11LE

So mote it be is written at a Level 6 reading level across 235 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, So mote it be works for readers up to grade 8.0.

We rate So mote it be as 11LE ("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, So mote it be explores witches, occult fiction, friendship, adventure, 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 witches, occult fiction, friendship.

Maybe not for

  • ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.

For Parents

Content Intensity

11LE — Light — Emotional
Emotional
Light
Physical
Light
Social
Clear
Thematic
Light

Light conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.

Data confidence: standard

Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?

Reading Insights

Hook Factor

2/10

A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.

Discussion Potential

1/10

A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.

Book DNA

Multi-dimensional content fingerprint

Vocabulary Level
5
Emotional Weight
4
Theme Richness
5
World Scope
1
Data Confidence
7

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Details

Book Length

235 pages
ISBN
9780064472913
Pages
235
Publisher
HarperTeen
Published
2001
Type
Fiction

Genres

Subjects

WitchesOccult FictionWitchcraftWiccaWiccansYoung Adult Fiction