The Magician's Elephant
Candlewick Press 2009
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- hope
- family
- belief and wonder
- destiny and fate
- kindness and compassion
- perseverance
- loneliness and connection
About this book
Ten-year-old Peter Duchene visits a fortune teller and learns the sister he thought was gone may still be alive—if he can follow an unlikely sign: a magician’s elephant. Set in a snow-dusted city filled with wonder, the story weaves together lonely hearts, small miracles, and brave choices. Kate DiCamillo’s lyrical tale is perfect for readers who enjoy gentle, hopeful fantasy and beautifully crafted language. Kids are drawn to the mystery, the sense of destiny, and the warm promise that love can find its way home.
Setting: the snow-covered, old-world city of Baltese
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Magician's Elephant right for my child?
Yes — The Magician's Elephant is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5, which is typical for 5th 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 hope, family, belief and wonder.
How long does it take to read The Magician's Elephant?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, The Magician's Elephant takes around 3.0h to finish. The book has 30,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does The Magician's Elephant have an AR quiz?
Yes — The Magician's Elephant has an AR quiz available, worth 4 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 Magician's Elephant?
The Magician's Elephant has an AR reading level of 5, which places it at a 5th 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.