The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

book2022

86%

WISE Score

4.3

Amazon

Think Mary Poppins meets Practical Magic, but with more tea, less trauma, and a grumpy librarian who desperately needs a hug.

The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches

book

2022

86%

WISE Score

4.3

Amazon

Think Mary Poppins meets Practical Magic, but with more tea, less trauma, and a grumpy librarian who desperately needs a hug.

4.3

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4.3

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Screenwise Verdict

If you’re looking for a book that feels like a warm cup of Earl Grey on a rainy day, this is it. It’s part of that 'cozy fantasy' wave that actually delivers on the promise of being life-affirming without being lobotomized.

It’s smart, the characters are lovable, and it treats its audience like adults. Just don't hand it to your 10-year-old expecting a G-rated witch story; those romance scenes are definitely PG-13 or R-adjacent. For a stressed-out teenager or a parent who needs a break from the 'Ohio' energy of the internet, it’s a top-tier pick.

Age Fit

Best for older teens (15+) and adults. While the magic and whimsy might appeal to a 12-year-old, the adult romance and 'open door' scenes make it a better fit for high schoolers who can handle some spice.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

It's the literary equivalent of a weighted blanket. The story focuses heavily on found family, kindness, and the idea that you don't have to be 'normal' to be loved. It's emotionally mature without being cynical.

Imaginative

The magic system is quirky and tied to emotion, and the setting of Nowhere House feels lived-in and whimsical. It’s not reinventing the wheel, but it’s a very cozy wheel.

Safe

For adults, it's totally safe. For kids, be aware this is technically adult fiction; it contains 'open door' romance scenes (sex) and some mild profanity. It’s not 'dark,' but it’s not a middle-grade book either.

Enriching

Excellent themes regarding the cost of isolation and the importance of community. It handles the 'outsider' narrative with a lot of empathy and provides a great model for healthy, supportive relationships.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

The 'found family' trope is executed perfectly here; it's genuinely moving without being cheesy.
It’s a low-stakes, high-vibe read that’s perfect for kids (or parents) who are burnt out on high-stress dystopian novels.
Mika Moon is a relatable protagonist who struggles with loneliness in a way that feels very real for 2026.
The romance is sweet and built on mutual respect, even if it does get a bit steamy.

⚠

What to Watch For

This is an adult novel, not a kids' book. There are explicit sex scenes—they aren't constant, but they are there.
Some mild swearing (f-bombs) might be a dealbreaker for younger readers who are just moving up from Harry Potter.
The plot moves at a 'cozy' pace, which is code for 'kind of slow' if your kid is used to non-stop action.

Conversation Starters

"Mika was told she had to be alone to stay safe. When is keeping a secret worth the cost of being lonely?"
"Jamie starts off pretty grumpy. Do you think people have 'walls' like that in real life to protect themselves?"
"If you had to live in a 'Nowhere House' with three random people, what kind of people would you want them to be?"
"The witches in this book are 'irregular.' Why is it usually the weird people who end up being the most interesting?"

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