The Magic Paintbrush
by Laurence Yep
Harper Collins 2003
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
- family and heritage
- grief and healing
- magic and wonder
- wishes and consequences
- identity and belonging
- intergenerational relationships
- courage
- myth and folklore
About this book
When Steve discovers a paintbrush that makes anything he paints come to life, his ordinary world opens into Chinese legends and impossible journeys. With Grandfather and Uncle Fong, he tests the brush’s power—from visiting a childhood village in China to reaching for the Lady on the Moon. As Steve hopes it might even reunite him with his parents, he learns that magic comes with limits and choices. Readers who enjoy cultural folklore, gentle humor, and heartfelt family stories will be drawn in.
Setting: contemporary San Francisco Chinatown and mythic realms of Chinese folklore (including the Moon Palace)
Readers also enjoyed
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Magic Paintbrush right for my child?
Yes — The Magic Paintbrush 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 family and heritage, grief and healing, magic and wonder.
How long does it take to read The Magic Paintbrush?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, The Magic Paintbrush takes around 2.0h to finish. The book has 18,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does The Magic Paintbrush have an AR quiz?
Yes — The Magic Paintbrush 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 The Magic Paintbrush?
The Magic Paintbrush 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.