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Witches

Roald Dahl

Cover of Witches

Witches

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

the Graphic Novel

by Roald Dahl

Reading Level 7 12MP Ages 9-12 Balanced Read

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

Witches aren’t just spooky stories—they’re real, hiding in plain sight with ordinary clothes and secret plans. They hate kids and will stop at nothing to get rid of them. But when a brave boy and his clever grandma face the Grand High Witch, everything might change—and the fate of all children hangs in the balance!

Quick Assessment

This graphic novel adaptation of Roald Dahl’s classic story introduces children ages 9-12 to a darkly humorous tale about witches who despise children and plot to eliminate them. The story features mild fantasy violence and suspense but maintains a playful tone throughout. It’s suitable for middle-grade readers who enjoy imaginative and slightly spooky stories with strong themes of courage and family.

Why we rated Witches 12MP

Witches is written at a Level 7 reading level across 304 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 8.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Witches works for readers up to grade 9.0.

We rate Witches as 12MP ("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, Witches explores humor, fantasy world-building, adventure, 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.
  • Kids drawn to stories about humor, fantasy world-building, adventure.

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

12MP — Moderate — Physical
Emotional
Light
Physical
Moderate
Social
Clear
Thematic
Light

Real stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.

Data confidence: standard

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

Reading Insights

Hook Factor

3/10

A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.

Discussion Potential

3/10

A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.

Book DNA

Multi-dimensional content fingerprint

Vocabulary Level
6
Emotional Weight
6
Theme Richness
4
World Scope
1
Data Confidence
7

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Details

Book Length

304 pages
ISBN
9781338677454
Pages
304
Publisher
Scholastic Inc.
Published
2020
Type
Fiction

Genres

Subjects

Comics & Graphic NovelsHumorousClassic AdaptationWitchesGrandmothersGrandparent and ChildMiceComic Books, StripsFantasyChildren's Stories, EnglishGraphic NovelsMagic