More than magic
Kathryn Lasky
More than magic
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Kathryn Lasky
The text is written at a 6th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.
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About This Book
What if your favorite cartoon hero jumped right out of the TV on your birthday? Ryder has waited all year for something magical to happen, but this time, it’s real—and Rory needs her help. Can Ryder unlock the secret to saving her new friend and herself?
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade fiction explores themes of grief and magic through the story of Ryder, who copes with the loss of her mother while encountering a cartoon character who comes to life. Suitable for ages 9-12, it blends fantasy with emotional growth, offering a gentle approach to dealing with loss and imagination.
Why we rated More than magic 11LE
More than magic is written at a Level 6 reading level across 214 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, More than magic works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate More than magic as 11LE ("Light — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Mild" range — mild conflict — the kind a child encounters in normal play and sibling life. Across our four dimensions (emotional, physical, social, thematic) the book reads as evenly mild; no single dimension stands out as a concern.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the mild intensity score.
Thematically, More than magic explores grief, fantasy world-building, friendship, family, and adventure — 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 grief, fantasy world-building, friendship.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11LE — Light — EmotionalLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
2/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
2/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780553498912
- Pages
- 214
- Publisher
- Wendy Lamb Books
- Published
- 2016
- Type
- Fiction