Old Magic - Softcover

Curley, Marianne

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0743437691 ISBN 13: 9780743437691

Publisher: Simon Pulse, 2002

Synopsis

Sensing that her new classmate, Jarrod, has supernatural powers similar to her own, Kate Warren tries to inform Jarrod of the gift he possesses since he fails to recognize it himself, but when his power reaches a dangerous level, Jarrod's disbelief ends and he soon turns to Kate for help in controlling it. Reprint.

About this title

About the Author:

Marianne Curley lives in Australia with her family.

From School Library Journal:

Grade 7-9-When Jarrod Thornton walks into the classroom, Kate Warren instantly senses that he is as different as she is. In anger, he unknowingly unleashes a storm in the science lab and Kate realizes that he has exceptional paranormal abilities that exceed her own. As an uneasy friendship forms, she helps Jarrod confront and internalize his talents. With her grandmother's help, the teens journey back to the Middle Ages and break the curse that has controlled the Thornton family for generations. On one level, this is a story about paranormal abilities, curses, and time travel. Deeper, it's an account of feeling different, friendship, and acceptance. The story is much like a train ride. The plot is fast and smooth and the characters' developing friendship is akin to the train's slowing and coming to a station stop. However, the language derails it until readers become used to the "Aussie-isms" throughout the text. (There is a glossary at the back of the book, but it is not all-inclusive.) It is obvious that Curley researched the architecture, peoples, and customs of the Middle Ages, and she skillfully integrates this information into the story. The characters are believable and are the strength of this first novel. While the message that it's all right to be different and to accept yourself for who you are is evident throughout, it's not overly dominant. Curley is definitely an author to watch.
Molly S. Kinney, Office of Public Library Services, Atlanta, GA
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: Simon Pulse
• Publication date: 2002
• ISBN 10: 0743437691
• ISBN 13: 9780743437691
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 320