The Magic Misfits is the first book in a four book New York Times Bestselling series.  This is a strong entry to the middle grade market.  There is a diverse cast of young characters and the narrative has a classic feel.   The author often breaks the third wall to explain something to the young reader and there are some visual puzzles sprinkled throughout the book along with some adorable illustrations.  But the big bonus material is when there is a literary interlude and the author teaches the reader how to do a magic trick–because this is a book about magicians, after all.  The author leaves the door cracked on whether there is real magic or if the only kind of magic is the David-Copperfield-slight-of-hand variety.

This is a heart-warming story that moves quickly and resolves satisfactorily.  It is almost like it is…well, magic.

Content Analysis:

Profanity/Language:  None

Violence/Gore:  Minor shoved against wall by adult; minor chased by adult with intent to harm; minor grabbed and dragged against their will to see someone; verbal threat; implied threat; in an extended scene characters chase someone resulting in minor injuries (slips, falls, running into wall and rendered unconscious).

Sex/Nudity:  None

(Note:  A character is adopted and in passing says she has two dads.)

Mature Subject Matter:

Homelessness, orphans, theft.

Alcohol / Drug Use:

Woman smokes cigarettes; man smokes a cigar.