Best Trick of All
by Nora Dale, Roberta Holmes-Lander
Steck-Vaughn 1998
Great fit for 1st grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- perseverance
- self-confidence
- family
- friendship and kindness
- creativity
- practice and skill-building
- problem-solving
- performing and stage fright
About this book
A young aspiring magician practices card tricks, coin flips, and sleight-of-hand to put on a show for family and friends. Simple sentences and supportive illustrations make this an inviting choice for new readers building confidence. Along the way, the child discovers that practice, patience, and a little kindness can make any performance shine. It’s a warm, relatable story that early readers enjoy for its everyday magic and upbeat ending.
Setting: home and elementary school, present day
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Best Trick of All right for my child?
Yes — Best Trick of All is a great fit for 1st grade. The reading level is AR 1.9, which is typical for 1st grade. The interest level is rated Lower Grades (K–3), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 5–9 (K–3rd grade). Themes include perseverance, self-confidence, family.
How long does it take to read Best Trick of All?
At a typical 1st grade reading pace, Best Trick of All takes around 8m to finish. The book has 650 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Best Trick of All have an AR quiz?
Yes — Best Trick of All has an AR quiz available, worth 0.5 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 Best Trick of All?
Best Trick of All has an AR reading level of 1.9, which places it at a 1st grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Lower Grades (K–3) — 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.