A Method for Magic and Misfortune
Roaring Brook Press · Hardcover · September 9, 2025
A boy discovers magic — along with a hidden darkness — in his town in this propulsive and heartfelt middle grade novel perfect for fans of PET and THE LOST LIBRARY.
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- Who it’s for
- Everyday family pressures meet street-level magic in a warm, shadowed middle grade adventure.
- Themes
- Secret magic, Family and belonging, Trust and deception
- Pacing
- Fast
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Start with this bookAbout this book
A boy discovers magic — along with a hidden darkness — in his town in this propulsive and heartfelt middle grade novel perfect for fans of PET and THE LOST LIBRARY. Twelve-year-old Marcus Pennrider feels far from magical. He's trying his best to balance school, a part-time job, and looking after his little sister. On top of that, his aunt has moved in with them to be their new caretaker.
Continue reading
But one day, Marcus discovers a secret magic flows through the streets of Grand Park — magic that can make money out of thin air, or control the weather — and everything seems to start changing for the better. Marcus even catches the attention of Mr. O, local corner store owner and beloved leader in the community, who takes Marcus under his wing and teaches him how to use magic. As Marcus delves into the strange world of Divination, he becomes entrenched in a rigorous magical training program...and discovers that Mr. O may not be who he seems. It'll be up to Marcus to decide who his true family is, and that perhaps the real magic of Grand Park lies much closer to home.
Magic Close to Home
Everyday family pressures meet street-level magic in a warm, shadowed middle grade adventure.
Come here for
- A young hero balancing school, work, and caring for his sister
- Magic that can make money or change the weather
Expect
- A rigorous magical training program and growing doubts about a mentor
- Questions of trust, belonging, and what makes a family
Where it sits
| Magic & Fantasy | 90% |
|---|---|
| Abuse & Healing | 35% |
| Paranormal | 29% |
Percentages are BookFrontier’s reading of the book.
Publisher categories
- Alternative Family Stories
- Magic & Fantasy
- Abuse & Healing
- Authors
- Craig Kofi Farmer
- Publisher
- Roaring Brook Press
- Published
- September 9, 2025
- Format
- Hardcover
- Theme
- Secret magic · Family and belonging · Trust and deception
- Reading lane
- Alternative Family Stories