Witches
Terry Deary
Witches
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Terry Deary
The text is written at a 3rd grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for younger children (ages 5–8), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.
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About This Book
Witches aren't just about pointy hats and black cats—there's a wild, weird truth that no one tells you! Discover the disgusting facts and strange magic words that people really believed in long ago. It's a spooky, funny look at witches that will surprise you and show why history is full of surprises.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This early reader explores the history and myths surrounding witches with humor and vivid details, suitable for children aged 5-8. It presents historical facts alongside common misconceptions in an engaging way, though some content includes mild gore and creepy themes typical of folklore. Parents should note its playful yet factual approach to witchcraft and medieval beliefs.
Why we rated Witches 8LP
Witches is written at a Level 3 reading level across 96 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 4.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Witches works for readers up to grade 5.0.
We rate Witches as 8LP ("Light — Physical") 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, Witches explores history, witchcraft, humor, and juvenile literature — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 5-8 range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
- ✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about history, witchcraft, humor.
- ✓ Curious kids who prefer real-world topics over made-up stories.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
8LP — Light — PhysicalLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
2/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
2/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781407140162
- Pages
- 96
- Publisher
- Scholastic
- Published
- 2013
- Type
- Nonfiction