The Season of Styx Malone
by Kekla Magoon
Wendy Lamb Books 2018
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- brotherhood
- friendship
- coming of age
- risk and consequences
- identity
- loyalty
- freedom
- trust
About this book
Brothers Caleb and Bobby Gene long for bigger adventures than their quiet Indiana town can offer—until the mysterious, magnetic Styx Malone shows up with a plan to trade their way to something amazing. What begins as small swaps turns into a summer of bold schemes, new freedoms, and tough choices. This warm, funny, and heartfelt story explores brotherhood, friendship, and the thrill (and risk) of chasing something more. Perfect for middle-grade readers who enjoy character-driven adventures with humor and heart.
Setting: small-town Indiana, present day summer
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Season of Styx Malone right for my child?
Yes — The Season of Styx Malone is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.7, 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 brotherhood, friendship, coming of age.
How long does it take to read The Season of Styx Malone?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, The Season of Styx Malone takes around 6.5h to finish. The book has 59,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does The Season of Styx Malone have an AR quiz?
Yes — The Season of Styx Malone has an AR quiz available, worth 8 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 Season of Styx Malone?
The Season of Styx Malone has an AR reading level of 4.7, 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.