Super Jake and the King of Chaos - Hardcover

Milliner, Naomi

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0762466154 ISBN 13: 9780762466153

Publisher: Running Press Kids, 2019

Synopsis

A debut contemporary novel about 11-year-old aspiring magician Ethan, who discovers that heroes come in all sizes, and real magic can be found in the most unexpected places.

When life revolves around stressed-out parents and ER visits for his special needs little brother Jake, eleven-year-old Ethan escapes to a world of top hats, trick decks, and magic wands. When he hears of a junior magic competition where the top prize is to meet and perform with his hero, Magnus the Magnificent, Ethan is determined to do whatever he needs to get there--and to win.

His dedication and hard work pay off, and he makes it to the top five finalists: his dream really could come true! Then Jake falls dangerously ill and Ethan's hopes and plans are in jeopardy. As he searches for any sort of magic that might save Jake, Ethan learns what is truly important . . . and what real magic is.

About this title

About the Author

Naomi Milliner has a Bachelor's Degree in English and a Master's in Screenwriting from USC Film School. As a long-time member of SCBWI, she created the Authors Book Club (ABC) for published authors and illustrators to share their journey with other members. She has also served on the Women's National Book Association's Great Group Reads Committee since 2009. She lives in Maryland, with her husband and sons.

Reviews

Gr 4-7-Ethan is an aspiring magician who has been practicing magic since fifth grade and performs for children's birthday parties. He has two younger brothers: Freddie, who can be annoying, and two-year-old Jake, who was born with a neurological disorder. He loves his family, but sometimes feels that life isn't always fair with a brother whose needs consume the family. Ethan wants to perform in front of a real audience and maybe even meet his hero, Magnus the Magnificent. His dreams have the possibility of coming true when he learns about a competition in Atlantic City. He begs his parents to let him attend. They finally agree and then Jake falls gravely ill. His parents are at the hospital for days, so Freddie and Ethan are shuttled to and from their grandparent's, neighbor's, and friend's. There is a great support system for the family as they endure this stressful period. Ethan's mother arranges for a neighbor to accompany Ethan to the competition. He performs perfectly and makes it to the finals. When he calls home to let everyone know, he gets devastating news. Jake has had a setback and no one is sure he will survive. Ethan is torn. Should he finish the competition and possibly have his dreams come true? Or does he go home to support his baby brother? Readers will feel his frustration and fear while rooting for this loving family. Back matter includes instructions for performing some of the magic tricks that are mentioned in the novel. VERDICT A strong family story for realistic middle grade fiction shelves.-Annette Herbert, F. E. Smith Elementary School, Cortland, NYα(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Edition details

• Publisher: Running Press Kids
• Publication date: 2019
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0762466154
• ISBN 13: 9780762466153
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 288