Reviewed by HootRated editorial · Last updated
The witches
Roald Dahl
The witches
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Roald Dahl
The text is written at a 4th 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 witches were real and they truly hated children? Imagine learning their secret spells and the terrifying plans they have to get rid of kids everywhere. When you come face-to-face with the most powerful witch of all, can you outsmart her before it's too late?
Quick Assessment
Roald Dahl's The Witches is a beloved middle-grade fantasy that explores the thrilling and sometimes scary world of witches who despise children. Suitable for ages 9-12, the story balances humor and adventure with mild peril, making it a captivating read for young fans of classic fiction. Parents should be aware that the witches are portrayed as menacing, but the story resolves with cleverness and bravery.
Why we rated The witches 9MP
The witches is written at a Level 4-5 reading level with a Lexile measure of 740L across 224 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The witches works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate The witches as 9MP ("Moderate — Physical") because the content sits in the "Moderate" range — moderate conflict that may involve loss, scary scenes, or interpersonal stakes. The strongest signals come from physical peril — 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, The witches explores fantasy world-building, adventure, humor, and coming of age — 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.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about fantasy world-building, adventure, humor.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers who get easily upset by emotional or moderately dark scenes — the conflict here is real, not just background flavor.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9MP — Moderate — PhysicalReal 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
3/10A 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
- 9780142410110
- Pages
- 224
- Publisher
- National Geographic Books
- Published
- 2007
- Type
- Fiction
- Lexile
- 740L