Magician in the Trunk
by Candice Ransom
Mirrorstone 2007
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- time travel
- teamwork
- bravery
- problem-solving
- family
- historical discovery
- perseverance
About this book
Three siblings discover a mysterious trunk that whisks them back in time to the age of vaudeville—and into the world of a daring escape artist. As they land backstage amid ropes, locks, and secret compartments, they must untangle a brewing sabotage before a high-stakes performance goes wrong. History, puzzles, and stagecraft mix with quick chapters and cliffhangers to keep readers turning pages. Perfect for kids who like time travel, mysteries, and learning cool facts about famous figures.
Setting: backstage vaudeville theaters in New York City, early 1900s
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Magician in the Trunk right for my child?
Yes — Magician in the Trunk is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.2, 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 time travel, teamwork, bravery.
How long does it take to read Magician in the Trunk?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Magician in the Trunk takes around 2.1h to finish. The book has 19,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Magician in the Trunk have an AR quiz?
Yes — Magician in the Trunk 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 Magician in the Trunk?
Magician in the Trunk has an AR reading level of 4.2, 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.