Fourth Graders Don't Believe in Witches

Reach for this book when your middle-grade reader is caught between the logical world of school and the lingering, shivery suspicion that magic might actually be real. It is a perfect choice for children who are beginning to pride themselves on being too old for fairy tales but still find themselves double-checking the shadows after a strange encounter. The story follows Allan, a skeptical fourth grader who becomes convinced his neighbor is a witch after seeing bizarre green jelly moving in her home. While it presents as a supernatural mystery, the book actually addresses the cognitive transition from childhood imagination to rational observation. It explores the tension between group skepticism and individual curiosity, making it an excellent bridge for kids moving from early chapter books into more complex social mysteries. It is lighthearted and humorous, ensuring that the spooky elements remain fun rather than truly frightening for sensitive readers.