Skulduggery Pleasant – Bad Magic
by Derek Landy
HarperCollins UK 2023
Easy read — content targets 6th grade and up
Reading level 4 (4th grade) but themes aimed at ages 11+
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Genre
Themes
- friendship
- good vs. evil
- courage
- mystery and investigation
- magic
- identity
- teamwork
About this book
A brand-new, full-color graphic novel adventure brings the wisecracking skeleton detective Skulduggery Pleasant and his partner Valkyrie Cain to a fast, funny, and magic-packed case. It’s a high-energy entry point for new readers and a treat for longtime fans, with snappy dialogue, big action, and plenty of supernatural mystery. The visual format and brisk pacing make it especially inviting for tweens and early teens. Perfect for readers who like humor with their heroics and a touch of spooky flair.
Setting: contemporary Dublin and a hidden magical underworld
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Skulduggery Pleasant – Bad Magic right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Skulduggery Pleasant – Bad Magic. The reading level is AR 4, which is typical for 4th grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades Plus (6+), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 11+ (6th grade and up). Themes include friendship, good vs. evil, courage.
How long does it take to read Skulduggery Pleasant – Bad Magic?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Skulduggery Pleasant – Bad Magic takes around 53m to finish. The book has 8,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Skulduggery Pleasant – Bad Magic have an AR quiz?
Yes — Skulduggery Pleasant – Bad Magic has an AR quiz available, worth 1 point. 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 Skulduggery Pleasant – Bad Magic?
Skulduggery Pleasant – Bad Magic has an AR reading level of 4, which places it at a 4th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Middle Grades Plus (6+) — 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.