Witches Don't Do Backflips
by Debbie Dadey, Marcia Thornton Jones
Tandem Library 1994
Great fit for 3rd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- friendship
- teamwork
- mystery and investigation
- imagination vs. reality
- courage
- school life
- curiosity
- problem-solving
About this book
When a new gymnastics coach comes to Bailey City, the kids can’t help noticing some strangely magical moves—and a few spooky coincidences. Could their super-flexible instructor actually be a witch, or is there a perfectly normal explanation? Eddie, Melody, Liza, and Howie gather clues while practicing routines and learning to work as a team. Light suspense and plenty of laughs keep young readers turning pages as the mystery unfolds.
Setting: Bailey City Elementary and a local gym, present day
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Witches Don't Do Backflips right for my child?
Yes — Witches Don't Do Backflips is a great fit for 3rd grade. The reading level is AR 3.6, which is typical for 3rd 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 friendship, teamwork, mystery and investigation.
How long does it take to read Witches Don't Do Backflips?
At a typical 3rd grade reading pace, Witches Don't Do Backflips takes around 1.2h to finish. The book has 10,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Witches Don't Do Backflips have an AR quiz?
Yes — Witches Don't Do Backflips has an AR quiz available, worth 1 point. 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 Witches Don't Do Backflips?
Witches Don't Do Backflips has an AR reading level of 3.6, which places it at a 3rd 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.