The Marvelwood Magicians - Hardcover

Zahler, Diane

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1629797243 ISBN 13: 9781629797243

Publisher: Astra Young Readers, 2017

Synopsis

Eleven-year-old Mattie Marvelwood comes from a family of traveling performers. Her dad is an illusionist; her mom is a fortune-teller; her brother has a vanishing act; and she herself is a mind-reader. But the Marvelwoods have a deep secret. The acts they perform at carnivals, fairs, and circuses are not just acts. Their powers are real. In all their wanderings, the Marvelwoods have never met another performer with gifts like theirs—until they join Master Morogh’s Circus of Wonders! But it turns out that Master Morogh’s true talent is stealing the gifts of others. When he steals Mattie’s brother’s vanishing ability, the family has a big decision to make. Do they run, leaving Bell’s gift behind to save the rest of them, or risk exposure by trying to beat the duplicitous ringmaster at his own game?

About this title

About the Author:

Diane Zahler is the author of Baker's Magic, as well as several middle-grade fairy tale reimaginings: Sleeping Beauty's Daughters, Princess of the Wild Swans, A True Princess, and The Thirteenth Princess. She lives in Wassaic, New York. Visit her at dianezahler.com.

From School Library Journal:

Gr 4–6—The Marvelwoods are mighty interesting. Each member of the family has a particular talent. Eleven-year-old Mattie can read minds. Her brother Bell can disappear at will, her little sister Tibby levitates, her mum tells fortunes, and her dad can create illusions. After the family's old van suffers yet another breakdown, they end up in a small town right as a traveling circus is visiting. Invited to perform by the charismatic but menacing Ringmaster Master Morogh, the Marvelwoods meet fascinating and kind performers. Mattie makes a close friend and finds satisfaction in being in one place with the same people instead of constantly being on the road. The Marvelwoods have a tendency to distance themselves from others so that no one learns that their talents are real. Mattie is the only one to notice that performers' special abilities are disappearing, one by one, while Morogh seems to be gaining abilities apace. After her best friend and her family members are targeted, she realizes they must do something to stop the evil Morogh. The suspenseful plot moves quickly, and Zahler vividly portrays the unbearable pain of losing an innate part of one's self. VERDICT Bound to entice voracious and reluctant readers alike. Hand this one to fans of Ingrid Law's Savvy and Ray Bradbury's Something Wicked This Way Comes.—B. Allison Gray, Goleta Public Library, CA

About this edition

• Publisher: Astra Young Readers
• Publication date: 2017
• ISBN 10: 1629797243
• ISBN 13: 9781629797243
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 192