5 Stunning Magic-Themed Children’s Books
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The Children’s Book Review
Why is it that children love magic-themed books so much? Magic allows the imagination to soar, the mind to escape, and encourages us to wonder and dream big. Magic also works as an incredible writing tool for examining life’s hurdles and exploring societal issues through a creative yet accessible viewpoint that piques a child’s interest. Magic-themed books are often brought to life with so much heart, frequently leaving both the characters and readers transformed. The following five children’s books listed here are all stunning examples of magic-themed books. We highly recommend each one!
One Jar of Magic
Written by Corey Ann Haydu
Ages 8-12 | 352 Pages
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books | ISBN: 9780062689856
As much as Rose would love to have a family life a little more like some of the other kids in town, an extra magical life is a tradeoff. Once a year, on New Year’s Day, everyone ages twelve and up heads to TooBlue Lake to capture a year’s supply of magic. Everyone expects Rose, also known as Little Luck, to capture more magic than any other 12-year-old. So caught up in learning to catch jars of magic and the pressure of her father’s belief in her as Little Luck, Rose hasn’t noticed that her relationship with her best friend Ginger is becoming strained. Through the use of magic, acclaimed author Corey Ann Haydu has created a safe space for children to discover that they are worthy of a safe home and, hopefully, they will find that they are enough just as they are. One Jar of Magic is so perfectly paced, carefully constructed, and delicately detailed that you barely notice it creep into the solar plexus until it sits in your throat for a while and then takes hold of your heart.
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Foxheart
Written by Claire Legrand
Ages 8-12 | 480 Pages
Publisher: Greenwillow Books | ISBN: 978-0062427731
From New York Times–bestselling author Claire Legrand comes a fantasy-adventure starring twelve-year-old orphan, Quicksilver. She is a thief whose only companions are her dog and a shy boy—she likes it that way because being alone means nobody can hurt you or abandon you. When she discovers that she can perform real magic one day and could be a witch, Quicksilver’s life takes a turn in which she may find the meaning of friendship and the importance of giving and receiving love. Action-packed with just the right amount of creep-factor to get your heart pounding, this deliciously dangerous and moody novel will readily sweep readers up deep within the pages.
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Orphan Island
Written by Laurel Snyder
Ages 8-12 | 288 Pages
Publisher: Walden Pond Press | ISBN: 978-0062443410
Nine children live on a mysterious island where everything is perfect until the day a boat appears. This boat carries a young girl named Ess, who is to join them in exchange for the eldest child, Deen, who is taken and never seen again. This event leaves Jinny as the new elder of the island. She must now teach Ess the ways of the island before the next ‘Changing’ in which the boat will come for Jinny. Will she be ready when the boat comes for her? A thought-provoking coming-of-age novel, Orphan Island is a wise tale that magically captures the essence of growing up. It is perfect for all young readers, but it also makes a beautiful book for sharing between children and their grown-ups.
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Root Magic
Written by Eden Royce
Ages 8-12 | 352 Pages
Publisher: Walden Pond Press | ISBN: 978-0062899576
Root Magic, the debut novel from Eden Royce, a member of the Gullah Geechee nation, is a magical adventure blended with folklore and Black American history. Set in South Carolina in the year 1963, school integration has arrived, and this means that Jez and her twin brother Jay will be starting the new school year with new kids. On top of this, their grandmother has passed away, the local police deputy is harassing their family, and now their uncle says he will train them in rootwork. Lots of change! Familiar and fascinated by their family legacy, Jez soon discovers that her family’s powers are much more significant than she realized. This discovery comes not a moment too soon—there is a level of evil in the town that, to be defeated, will require bravery, family, friendship, and all the magic. Incredible!
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The Girl and the Ghost
Written by Hanna Alkaf
Ages 8-12 | 288 Pages
Publisher: HarperCollins | ISBN: 978-0062940957
Suraya has received a pelesit, a spirit that she has inherited from her witch grandmother. Happy to have been given such a gift, Suraya does not realize that this ghostly spirit, which she names Pink, has a dark side. Will she be able to find enough light before both she and Pink are lost to the darkness? This Malaysian folk tale explores themes of jealousy, love, loss, friendship, and family. It is a hauntingly beautiful and emotionally charged novel that will leave readers feeling transformed. Stunning!
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