Labracadabra
by Jessie Nelson, Karen Leigh Hopkins
2011
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- friendship
- responsibility
- family
- self-discovery
- acceptance
- wishes and consequences
- belonging
About this book
Zach finally gets a dog, but Larry isn’t the cuddly puppy he imagined—he’s a scruffy, full-grown mongrel with a tail that seems to have a mind (and maybe a little magic) of its own. As Zach navigates school, friendships, and family ups and downs, Larry’s unusual talents nudge him to see life a bit differently. Together they stumble into funny, surprising moments that help Zach learn what it really means to care for someone. Heartfelt and quirky, this story will appeal to dog lovers and kids who enjoy a touch of everyday magic.
Setting: contemporary American suburb
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Labracadabra right for my child?
Yes — Labracadabra is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.4, which is typical for 4th 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, responsibility, family.
How long does it take to read Labracadabra?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Labracadabra takes around 5.8h to finish. The book has 52,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Labracadabra have an AR quiz?
Yes — Labracadabra 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 Labracadabra?
Labracadabra has an AR reading level of 4.4, which places it at a 4th 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.