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- Pages
- 208
- Published
- 1983
- Reading level
- middle-grade
- Ages
- 9–12
- Grades
- 4–6
About the book
About the book
A boy discovers a coven of real witches plotting against children.
AI summary
Classic Dahl. Contains actual witches (evil, not glamorized) and one death. Discuss with sensitive kids.
Why parents choose this book
What makes The Witches worth choosing
An honest, parent-first look at who this book suits, what it offers, and what to know before you buy.
Best for
- Age range: 9–12 (fits siblings across a range).
- Reading maturity: Middle grade — richer plots and vocabulary with age-appropriate themes.
- Kids who tend to love it: Courage, Family, Fantasy, Chapter Books.
- Personality fit: big-imagination kids who love new worlds.
Parents love this book because
- Written by Roald Dahl, whose books parents return to for consistently thoughtful storytelling.
Your child will probably enjoy The Witches if they…
- Love magic, dragons, or fantasy worlds
- Enjoy adventure and quests
This book helps develop
Vocabulary, sustained attention, and reading confidence for the 9–12 age band.
Things parents should know
- Violence: clear on-page conflict without lingering detail.
- Language: clean language throughout.
Reading commitment
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Why we recommend it
We recommend The Witches for the 9–12 age band with a small heads-up on content — worth previewing or discussing. It leans into fantasy in a way that feels genuine, not formulaic. Roald Dahl's voice is what makes it stick: readable, respectful of kids, and easy to hand to the next child in the family.
Content ratings
What parents say
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