The Poison Eaters
Fighting Danger and Fraud in our Food and Drugs
by Gail Jarrow
Astra Publishing House 2019
Great fit for 8th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Retailer links may be affiliate links.
Genre
Themes
- public health
- consumer protection
- science vs. industry
- advocacy and citizenship
- perseverance
- ethics in science
- government regulation
- investigation and evidence
About this book
At the turn of the 20th century, many foods and medicines were secretly laced with dangerous chemicals. Chemist Harvey Washington Wiley led a bold, decades-long fight to protect the public, helping spark the creation of national food and drug safety laws. Packed with archival photos, primary sources, and clear science writing, this nonfiction page-turner shows how evidence and persistence can change lives. Perfect for curious middle-grade readers who like true stories of science, history, and real-world impact.
Setting: United States, turn of the 20th century (c. 1900–1930s)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Poison Eaters right for my child?
Yes — The Poison Eaters is a great fit for 8th grade. The reading level is AR 8.1, which is typical for 8th grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 9–14 (4th–8th grade). Themes include public health, consumer protection, science vs. industry.
How long does it take to read The Poison Eaters?
At a typical 8th grade reading pace, The Poison Eaters takes around 2.4h to finish. The book has 25,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does The Poison Eaters have an AR quiz?
Yes — The Poison Eaters has an AR quiz available, worth 4 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 The Poison Eaters?
The Poison Eaters has an AR reading level of 8.1, which places it at a 8th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8) — 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.