Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them
by Newt Scamander, J. K. Rowling
Arthur A. Levine Books 2017
Great fit for 8th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- magical creatures
- curiosity and discovery
- humor
- knowledge and research
- empathy and animal care
- conservation
- worldbuilding and lore
About this book
Presented as a Hogwarts Library textbook by magizoologist Newt Scamander, this companion book catalogs magical creatures from acromantulas to thunderbirds with witty notes and fascinating lore. The fully illustrated edition brings each beast to life while keeping the playful, in-world humor fans love. It’s great for browsing or reading straight through, and perfect for Harry Potter readers who enjoy creatures, world-building, and encyclopedia-style entries. Suitable for middle-grade and up, with no series spoilers.
Setting: the wizarding world, presented as a Hogwarts Library textbook with entries from around the globe
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them right for my child?
Yes — Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them is a great fit for 8th grade. The reading level is AR 8.8, 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 magical creatures, curiosity and discovery, humor.
How long does it take to read Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them?
At a typical 8th grade reading pace, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them takes around 1.9h to finish. The book has 20,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them have an AR quiz?
Yes — Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them has an AR quiz available, worth 3 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 Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them?
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them has an AR reading level of 8.8, 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.