The magic misfits, by Neil Patrick Harris

Title: The magic misfits
Author: Neil Patrick Harris
Genre/ issues: Verse novel, YA, contemporary issues.

I’m a sucker for a book featuring an orphan. I grew up reading my mum’s old British “orphan goes to boarding school/ finds a new home” books – Jan of the Fourth, The Secret Garden, and Anne of Green Gables were favourites. And I’m sure I don’t need to tell you how I feel about Harry Potter (books and movies – NOT author). So when The Magic Misfits by Neil Patrick Harris (yes, that one) came across my desk I nabbed it. Such a sweet story! I love that, despite the potential for scare factor (emotionally abusive carer, freaky-arsed clown bandits) it’s a gentle and nurturing story. Clever as you’d expect for a book about magic, it contains a number of “how-to’s” which will help aspiring magicians learn some clever sleight-of-hand and number trick magic skills. There are also a few hidden puzzles and ciphers for the sleuths among you. I particularly love the sweet dual dads, and hope that we get to see more of both of them in future books in this series. 10/10 recommend for your middle grade readers with an interest in magic, puzzles, and stories that have a bit of mystery but aren’t too challenging emotionally!

#TamaraReads #2020readingchallenge 9/52

Happy reading,