Half Magic
by Edward Eager
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt 2004
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- sibling relationships
- wishes and consequences
- imagination
- family
- adventure
- responsibility
- humor
About this book
Four siblings discover a strange coin that grants only half of whatever you wish, leading to hilarious mishaps and unexpected adventures. Set over one long summer, the children learn to be careful what they ask for—and how to work together to get the results they really want. This classic, witty fantasy is perfect for confident elementary and middle-grade readers who enjoy family stories with a magical twist. Kids love the humor, clever puzzles, and the cozy, old-fashioned feel.
Setting: a Midwestern American city in the 1920s, over summer vacation
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Half Magic right for my child?
Yes — Half Magic is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5, 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 sibling relationships, wishes and consequences, imagination.
How long does it take to read Half Magic?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Half Magic takes around 5.0h to finish. The book has 49,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Half Magic have an AR quiz?
Yes — Half Magic has an AR quiz available, worth 6 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 Half Magic?
Half Magic has an AR reading level of 5, 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.