Poison
Scholastic UK 2014
Book 39 of 87th Precinct
Great fit for 6th grade
Reading level and content both target 6th grade and up · ages 11+
Book 39 in a series — earlier books first
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Genre
Themes
- sisterhood and family
- free will vs. destiny
- the power of stories
- courage and perseverance
- trickery and bargains
- identity and self-determination
- coming of age
About this book
When Poison’s baby sister is stolen by the Phaeries, a stubborn girl from the marsh town of Gull sets out on a perilous quest to bring her home. Her journey leads through eerie forests, shifting courts, and tricky bargains where words matter as much as swords. As Poison presses on, she begins to suspect that stories themselves may be guiding her path—and that outwitting fate will take more than bravery. A dark, lyrical fairy tale perfect for readers who enjoy clever twists and atmospheric adventures.
Setting: the marsh town of Gull and the shifting Realm of Phaerie in a dark fairy-tale world
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Poison right for my child?
Yes — Poison is a great fit for 6th grade. The reading level is AR 6.3, which is typical for 6th grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades Plus (6+), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 11+ (6th grade and up). Themes include sisterhood and family, free will vs. destiny, the power of stories. Note: this is book 39 in a series — your child should read the earlier books first.
How long does it take to read Poison?
At a typical 6th grade reading pace, Poison takes around 7.6h to finish. The book has 80,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Poison have an AR quiz?
Yes — Poison has an AR quiz available, worth 12 points. Your child will need to take and pass the quiz through their school's Accelerated Reader program to earn credit. The quiz is typically 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, characters, and setting.
What grade level is Poison?
Poison has an AR reading level of 6.3, which places it at a 6th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Middle Grades Plus (6+) — this reflects the age-appropriateness of the content and themes, not just the reading difficulty. A strong younger reader may handle the words fine while the themes are aimed at an older audience, or vice versa.