A Potion, a Powder, a Little Bit of Magic
Or, Like Lightning in an Umbrella Storm
by Philip C. Stead
Neal Porter Books 2026
Great fit for 5th 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
- bravery
- responsibility
- friendship
- perseverance
- adventure
- identity
- magic gone awry
About this book
Bernadette, a determined young goatkeeper, must track down a missing goat in a kingdom where the castle literally stands on goats. Along the way she’s joined by a forgetful wizard and a very unhelpful Boat That Does Not Grant Wishes, turning a simple rescue into a zany, heart-filled quest. With playful language, quick wit, and gentle humor, this fantasy adventure invites readers to root for a resourceful heroine. Perfect for middle-grade readers who enjoy quirky worlds, clever wordplay, and brave-but-relatable characters.
Setting: a quirky, fairy-tale-like kingdom with castles, rivers, and roaming goats
Readers also enjoyed
Frequently Asked Questions
Is A Potion, a Powder, a Little Bit of Magic right for my child?
Yes — A Potion, a Powder, a Little Bit of Magic is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.1, which is typical for 5th 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 bravery, responsibility, friendship.
How long does it take to read A Potion, a Powder, a Little Bit of Magic?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, A Potion, a Powder, a Little Bit of Magic takes around 4.8h to finish. The book has 48,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does A Potion, a Powder, a Little Bit of Magic have an AR quiz?
Yes — A Potion, a Powder, a Little Bit of Magic has an AR quiz available, worth 7 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 A Potion, a Powder, a Little Bit of Magic?
A Potion, a Powder, a Little Bit of Magic has an AR reading level of 5.1, which places it at a 5th 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.