A touch of magic
June Gadsby
A touch of magic
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by June Gadsby
The text is written at a 7th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content has moderate intensity with some emotionally heavy themes.
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About This Book
I have a secret about a forest where magic might still be alive. Eleven-year-old Simon believes his dad isn’t really gone, and on Christmas, he’s determined to find the place where his father’s plane fell. But what happens deep in the Basque woods with a mysterious man named Olentzero? That’s only the beginning.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade novel explores the aftermath of war through the eyes of Lorna, a widow, and her son Simon, who struggles to accept his father's death. Set around Christmas, the story blends themes of loss and hope with a touch of magical realism in the Basque forest. Appropriate for ages 9-12, it sensitively handles grief and the healing power of belief.
For Parents
Content Intensity
12ME — Moderate — EmotionalReal stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.
Was our "Moderate" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
1/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
4/10Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781847828675
- Pages
- 304
- Publisher
- Linford
- Published
- 2009
- Type
- Fiction