"Everyone agreed: the wall was 'wow.' It looked like something from another place and time, ancient and mysterious, leaning over them. They just stood. Gaping. Up." A boring, hot day in Quiet Falls, Iowa, has suddenly become interesting for siblings Henry and Emma and their neighbors Susan and Roy. Though they're not yet sure they believe in magic, the four instinctively know that this structure, standing free in the middle of a cornfield, is begging to be claimed. Its purpose, hinted at by a keyhole with no door, is ripe for discovery. Black-and-white line illustrations.
Topics Magic. Summer vacation. Riding bicycles. Babysitters. Strange occurrences. Claiming a discovery. Sacrifices. Keys. Wishes. Secrets. Isolating variables. Sneaking out of the house. Castles. Literary devices. Merlin. Communication. Visions of the future. Being captured. Queen Guinevere. Dungeons. Rescues. Pirates. Blackbeard. Choices. Banks. Stealing. Desert islands. Pioneer times. Clothing. Outlaws. Cruelty. Standing up to bullies. Dogs. Cleaning a wound. Librarians. Being different. Taking in stray animals. Parents. Friends. New York City. Subways. Coney Island. Apologies. Growing up. Staying true to yourself. Problem solving. The importance of having fun. Animal shelters. Unicorns. Wrapping up loose ends.
SRC Level 5.300000
SRC Points 11.000000
Lexile 810L
Trim Size 5 1/2" x 8 1/4"
JLG Span Spring
Language English
Publication date 2009-05-25
JLG Release Date Sep 2009
Minimum grade 3
Maximum grade 5
Reading level Elementary
Format Print
Upper Elementary Fiction Plus (Grades 3-5)
Upper Elementary Fiction Plus
Upper Elementary Fiction Plus (Grades 3-5)
For Grades 3-5
A collection of longer-format novels for readers ready to move beyond chapter books. These stories emphasize fun while beginning to explore deeper themes. With engaging plots and relatable characters, this category helps keep readers excited as they take the next step into longer, more immersive stories.