Tithe
Holly Black
Tithe
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
A Modern Faeire Tale
by Holly Black
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 the fairies you feared weren't just stories but real—and dangerous? Imagine being sixteen and suddenly caught in a secret battle between two fierce fairy kingdoms, right in your own hometown. Kaye never expected to be part of their ancient fight, but now, her survival depends on outsmarting creatures more powerful than she ever imagined.
Themes
Quick Assessment
Tithe by Holly Black is a middle-grade fantasy novel about a sixteen-year-old girl named Kaye who becomes entangled in a conflict between two rival faerie kingdoms. The story blends elements of supernatural adventure, teen drama, and romance, set against a realistic urban backdrop. Suitable for ages 9-12, it contains themes of danger and magical intrigue but handles them in an age-appropriate manner.
Why we rated Tithe 12ME
Tithe is written at a Level 7 reading level across 310 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 8.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Tithe works for readers up to grade 9.0.
We rate Tithe 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, Tithe explores supernatural, fairies, magic, adventure, and romance — 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 supernatural, fairies, magic.
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
2/10A 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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Field Guide
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Kind
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Kith
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780689849244
- Pages
- 310
- Publisher
- Margaret K. McElderry Books
- Published
- 2004
- Type
- Fiction