Pretty good magic
by Cathy East Dubowski
Random House 1987
Great fit for 2nd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Retailer links may be affiliate links.
Genre
Themes
- perseverance
- self-confidence
- practice and skill-building
- friendship
- problem solving
- performance and stage fright
- creativity
About this book
A young aspiring magician gets a beginner’s magic set and dreams of putting on a show for friends and family. At first the tricks don’t go as planned, but practice and patience help turn mishaps into a pretty good performance. Simple sentences and lively scenes make this an encouraging read for new readers. Kids enjoy the humor, the try-and-try-again message, and the fun of learning about magic tricks.
Setting: a contemporary neighborhood and elementary school
Readers also enjoyed
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pretty good magic right for my child?
Yes — Pretty good magic is a great fit for 2nd grade. The reading level is AR 2.8, which is typical for 2nd grade. The interest level is rated Lower Grades (K–3), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 5–9 (K–3rd grade). Themes include perseverance, self-confidence, practice and skill-building.
How long does it take to read Pretty good magic?
At a typical 2nd grade reading pace, Pretty good magic takes around 9m to finish. The book has 1,050 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Pretty good magic have an AR quiz?
Yes — Pretty good magic has an AR quiz available, worth 0.5 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 Pretty good magic?
Pretty good magic has an AR reading level of 2.8, which places it at a 2nd grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Lower Grades (K–3) — 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.