Magic and Magicians
Mike Burgess
Magic and Magicians
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
The Unexplained
by Mike Burgess
The text is written at a 5th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content is gentle with no concerning themes.
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About This Book
Did you know that magic isn't just tricks and illusions? There's a hidden world where real magic has shaped history and still thrives today—but that's only the beginning.
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade fiction book explores both supernatural magic and the art of magical illusions, blending history and entertainment in an engaging way for ages 9-12. It introduces readers to the fascinating concept of magic's role across time without delving into dark or complex themes, making it appropriate for this age group.
Why we rated Magic and Magicians 10C
Magic and Magicians is written at a Level 5 reading level. Strong independent readers around grade 6.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Magic and Magicians works for readers up to grade 7.0.
We rate Magic and Magicians as 10C ("Clear") because the content sits in the "Gentle" range — no conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Across our four dimensions (emotional, physical, social, thematic) the book reads as evenly gentle; no single dimension stands out as a concern.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the gentle intensity score.
Thematically, Magic and Magicians explores fantasy world-building, adventure, and science & nature — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 9-12 range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
- ✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about fantasy world-building, adventure, science & nature.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers whose emotional readiness lags behind their decoding skills — this book's intensity outruns its reading level, a classic "gifted kid" mismatch.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
10C — ClearNo conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Safe for sensitive readers.
Was our "Gentle" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
2/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
1/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
- ISBN
- 9780516350448
- Publisher
- Children's Press
- Published
- September 1991
- Type
- Fiction