Half Magic, 1 by Edward Eager

Half Magic, 1 by Edward Eager

Book one in the series called "truly magic in a reader's hands" by Jack Gantos, Newbery Medal winner for Dead End in Norvelt.

It all begins with a strange coin on a sun-warmed sidewalk. Jane finds the coin, and because she and her siblings are having the worst, most dreadfully boring summer ever, she idly wishes something exciting would happen.

And something does: Her wish is granted. Or not quite. Only half of her wish comes true. It turns out the coin grants wishes--but only by half, so that you must wish for twice as much as you want.

Wishing for two times some things is a cinch, but other doubled wishes only cause twice as much trouble. What is half of twice a talking cat? Or to be half-again twice not-here? And how do you double your most heartfelt wish, the one you care about so much it has to be perfect?

This funny and gentle classic series is an enjoyable read-aloud and also a strong choice for independent reading. For fans of such favorite series as The Penderwicks and The Vanderbeekers.

Enjoy all seven of the middle grade novels in Edward Eager's beloved Tales of Magic series!

Edward Eager (1911-1964) was a writer and lyricist who lived from 1911 to 1964. He didn't start writing children's stories until 1951, when he was looking for books to read to his little kid. Quentin Blake is an internationally acclaimed illustrator who has created over 200 award-winning books, including several Roald Dahl classics. He is based in London.