Curse of the Boggin (The Library Book 1)
by D. J. MacHale
Random House Books for Young Readers 2016
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- friendship
- courage
- facing fears
- mystery and investigation
- supernatural
- the power of stories
- responsibility
- secrets and truth
About this book
This fast-paced supernatural thriller launches The Library series, where unfinished stories won’t rest until someone sets them right. When Marcus discovers a mysterious key, he and his friends are pulled into a hidden archive where restless spirits and unsolved mysteries wait. To help a ghost find peace, they must face a fear-feeding entity known as the Boggin and uncover the truth behind a long-buried secret. Short chapters, big twists, and just-right chills make it a great pick for middle-grade readers who love spooky adventures.
Setting: present-day suburban town and a hidden, otherworldly Library of unfinished stories
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Curse of the Boggin (The Library Book 1) right for my child?
Yes — Curse of the Boggin (The Library Book 1) 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 friendship, courage, facing fears.
How long does it take to read Curse of the Boggin (The Library Book 1)?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Curse of the Boggin (The Library Book 1) takes around 6.0h to finish. The book has 59,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Curse of the Boggin (The Library Book 1) have an AR quiz?
Yes — Curse of the Boggin (The Library Book 1) has an AR quiz available, worth 9 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 Curse of the Boggin (The Library Book 1)?
Curse of the Boggin (The Library Book 1) 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.