What reading level is The only thing worse than witches?

The only thing worse than witches by Lauren Magaziner is at a Level 4-5 reading level (Lexile 720L). Recommended for Middle Grades readers (Ages 9-12).

What age is The only thing worse than witches appropriate for?

The only thing worse than witches is recommended for Ages 9-12. HootRating: 9LE (Light — Emotional).

What genre is The only thing worse than witches?

The only thing worse than witches is fiction — Apprentices.

Does The only thing worse than witches have any content warnings?

The only thing worse than witches has a HootRating of 9LE (Light — Emotional). No specific content flags noted. On HootRated, every book is rated across four dimensions — emotional, physical, social, and thematic — to help parents make informed choices.

How many pages is The only thing worse than witches?

The only thing worse than witches by Lauren Magaziner is 262 pages.

Reviewed by HootRated editorial · Last updated June 9, 2026

The only thing worse than witches

Lauren Magaziner

The only thing worse than witches

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

by Lauren Magaziner

Reading Level 4-5 9LE Ages 9-12 Balanced Read

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

The sharp scent of herbs and smoky incense fills the air as Rupert tiptoes into the witch's cluttered workshop. Every creak and whisper seems to hold a secret, and the flicker of candlelight dances on strange potions and spellbooks. But as magical mysteries unravel, Rupert realizes some secrets are heavier than he imagined.

Themes

MagicApprenticesFriendship Family

Quick Assessment

This middle-grade novel follows eleven-year-old Rupert as he becomes an apprentice to a young witch, navigating magical challenges and the complexities of friendship. Suitable for ages 9-12, the story blends paranormal elements with themes of loyalty and growing responsibility. Parents should note the presence of mild fantasy peril and magical themes consistent with juvenile fiction.

Why we rated The only thing worse than witches 9LE

The only thing worse than witches is written at a Level 4-5 reading level with a Lexile measure of 720L across 262 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The only thing worse than witches works for readers up to grade 6.5.

We rate The only thing worse than witches 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, The only thing worse than witches explores magic, apprentices, friendship, and family — 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 magic, apprentices, friendship.