The Mystery in the Magic Shop
Random House Books for Young Readers 2022
Challenging read for K–3rd grade
Reading level 4 (4th grade) is above the ages 5–9 interest range
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Genre
Themes
- teamwork
- family
- problem-solving
- perseverance
- community
- honesty
- curiosity
- observation
About this book
Henry Alden is learning sleight-of-hand from The Amazing Arthur and can’t wait for the Greenfield Magic Shop’s big show—until the magician suddenly disappears. The Alden children follow clues behind the counter, backstage, and around town to figure out if this is a trick or a real mystery. With plenty of puzzles, gentle suspense, and nifty magic details, this story lets young readers play detective alongside the Boxcar Children. It’s a great pick for kids who enjoy teamwork, problem-solving, and wholesome adventures.
Setting: contemporary small town of Greenfield, mostly in and around a magic shop and theater
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Mystery in the Magic Shop right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for The Mystery in the Magic Shop. The reading level is AR 4, which is typical for 4th 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 teamwork, family, problem-solving.
How long does it take to read The Mystery in the Magic Shop?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, The Mystery in the Magic Shop takes around 2.1h to finish. The book has 19,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does The Mystery in the Magic Shop have an AR quiz?
Yes — The Mystery in the Magic Shop has an AR quiz available, worth 2 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 Mystery in the Magic Shop?
The Mystery in the Magic Shop has an AR reading level of 4, which places it at a 4th 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.