Witches
A. M. Burns
Witches
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by A. M. Burns
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
What if a bigfoot named Thom Woodmen lived hidden in the human world, bonded to a regular kid named Ben? Imagine discovering magic inside you just as danger closes in, with a witch hunting you down. Could Ben learn to use his powers in time to save his friend and himself?
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade fantasy follows Thom Woodmen, a bigfoot Guardian, and his human bond, Ben Steele, as they face threats from a witch hunting them. The story explores themes of friendship, magic, and self-discovery appropriate for ages 9-12. While there is mild peril and fantasy violence, it is handled in a way suitable for middle-grade readers.
Why we rated Witches 9LE
Witches is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 180 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Witches works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate 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, Witches explores fantasy world-building, friendship, adventure, coming of age, and magic — 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 fantasy world-building, friendship, adventure.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9LE — Light — EmotionalLight 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
- 9781634779968
- Pages
- 180
- Publisher
- Harmony Ink Press
- Published
- 2016
- Type
- Fiction