So you want to be a magician?
Laurence B. White
So you want to be a magician?
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Laurence B. White
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 gentle with no concerning themes.
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About This Book
The soft shuffle of cards whispers secrets as they glide through your fingers. A faint sparkle catches your eye, hinting at the magic you're about to unleash. Can you master the tricks that turn the ordinary into the extraordinary?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This book offers step-by-step instructions for performing a variety of magic tricks aimed at children ages 9-12. It encourages creativity and presentation skills without any complex or potentially sensitive content. Ideal for young readers interested in learning the art of magic in a straightforward, engaging way.
Why we rated So you want to be a magician? 11C
So you want to be a magician? is written at a Level 6 reading level across 224 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, So you want to be a magician? works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate So you want to be a magician? as 11C ("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, So you want to be a magician? explores magic tricks, friendship, and creativity — 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 magic tricks, friendship, creativity.
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
11C — ClearNo conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Safe for sensitive readers.
Was our "Gentle" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
1/10A 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
Book Length
- ISBN
- 0201086271
- Pages
- 224
- Publisher
- Addison Wesley Publishing Company
- Published
- 1972
- Type
- Fiction