Some Kind of Magic
by Adrian Fogelin
Peachtree Publishers 2015
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Retailer links may be affiliate links.
Genre
Themes
- friendship
- growing up
- family
- courage
- community
- mystery of the past
- identity
- change
About this book
On the cusp of high school, longtime friends Cass, Jemmie, Ben, and Justin are bracing for change when Ben’s little brother finds an old fedora he swears is magic. Following the hat’s “clues” pulls the group into a summertime mystery tied to an abandoned building in the woods. As they investigate, the friends confront fears, family history, and what growing up might mean for their bond. A warm, realistic story with a hint of mystery, perfect for readers who enjoy neighborhood adventures and heartfelt friendships.
Setting: contemporary North Florida neighborhood and nearby woods during summer
Readers also enjoyed
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Some Kind of Magic right for my child?
Yes — Some Kind of Magic is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.5, 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, growing up, family.
How long does it take to read Some Kind of Magic?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Some Kind of Magic takes around 6.2h to finish. The book has 56,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Some Kind of Magic have an AR quiz?
Yes — Some Kind of Magic 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 Some Kind of Magic?
Some Kind of Magic has an AR reading level of 4.5, 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.