Dickens & Rumi
Cover of A TALE OF WITCHCRAFT...

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A TALE OF WITCHCRAFT...

Chris Colfer

In this sequel to “A Tale of Magic...” a mysterious new witch arrives at the academy with dark intentions. (Ages 8 to 12)

Ages 10+Source checked

Why this age? The accessible fantasy prose suits middle-grade readers, but recurring peril, magical violence, frightening villains, loss, and emotionally serious themes may be intense for younger children. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age10+

Strongest cautions

  • Frightening scenes3/5
  • Violence3/5
  • Death of a character2/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience4/5
  • Creativity & curiosity4/5
  • Good role models4/5

What’s in it?

Death of a character2/5
Why this rating?

Occasional loss of characters in the context of high-stakes fantasy conflict.

Graphic injury1/5
Why this rating?

No significant depictions of blood or graphic injuries.

Strong language1/5
Why this rating?

Language is generally clean with only occasional mild insults or dramatic exclamations.

LGBTQIA characters1/5
Why this rating?

Includes LGBTQIA representation in a positive, natural way, but these characters or relationships are not a major focus of the story.

Religious themes1/5
Why this rating?

Themes of belief and organized opposition appear, but they are fictionalized and tied to the fantasy conflict.

Romance1/5
Why this rating?

Very light, age-appropriate crushes or romantic interests characteristic of the genre.

Frightening scenes3/5
Why this rating?

Some tense scenes involving dangerous antagonists and high-stakes situations that may briefly unsettle younger readers.

Violence3/5
Why this rating?

Features fantasy-style battles, magical confrontations, and occasional peril, but lacks graphic detail or excessive brutality.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5
Why this rating?

Characters repeatedly face frightening dangers and oppressive forces, showing bravery rooted in loyalty and moral conviction.

Creativity & curiosity4/5
Why this rating?

The inventive fairy-tale world, magical concepts, quests, and imaginative problem-solving strongly encourage creative engagement.

Diverse representation3/5
Why this rating?

The cast includes a diverse group of characters with different backgrounds and identities.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

Incidental lessons on ethics and critical thinking within the fictional context.

Kindness & empathy4/5
Why this rating?

Empathy and kindness toward those who are different are central themes.

Positive messages4/5
Why this rating?

It emphasizes resisting prejudice and tyranny, valuing friendship, accepting differences, and choosing compassion over power.

Good role models4/5
Why this rating?

Characters demonstrate resilience, empathy, and leadership in the face of adversity.

Family discussion

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Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What did courage look like in this story? Was being brave always the same as being fearless?
  2. Which moment felt most tense or frightening? What helped the characters handle fear?
  3. Which choice in A TALE OF WITCHCRAFT... would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in A TALE OF WITCHCRAFT..., and what caused that change?
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Related by age fit, format, and catalogue context.

You’re hereA TALE OF WITCHCRAFT...
THE KEEPERDavid BaldacciAges 12+THE FINISHERDavid BaldacciAges 10+Drowned Ammet (Dalemark Quartet, Book 2)Diana Wynne Jones · 1977Ages 12+Cart and Cwidder (The Dalemark Quartet)Diana Wynne Jones · 1975Ages 12+

These content notes are a starting point, not a guarantee. Review the evidence and use your own judgment before choosing a title.

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