The Magic Half is a children's fantasy novel written by Annie Barrows. The story follows the adventures of Miri, a 10-year-old girl who discovers she has the power to time travel. Miri is a timid and often overlooked middle child who finds refuge in her imagination. She frequently feels invisible and longs for excitement in her life. One day, while exploring her new house in the country, Miri discovers a hidden room that contains a mysterious magical object – a piece of glass that allows her to travel back in time. This revelation is the catalyst for a series of thrilling and sometimes perilous adventures.
Barrows once again presents utterly real kids . . . this is pleasing fare that adds a bit of history and a tad of mystery into the mix.
It is here that she meets Molly, a girl badly in need of help to escape her abusive situation, but Miri accidentally returns to her own time before she can save her new friend. Greg s mom calls a family meeting to determine what to do with their share, proposing home improvements and then overruling the family s cartoonish wish lists and instead pushing for an addition to the kitchen.
This revelation is the catalyst for a series of thrilling and sometimes perilous adventures. As Miri learns to harness her newfound power, she meets Molly, a lonely and neglected girl from the past. The two girls form a bond and rely on each other for support and friendship.
The Magic Half
Miri is the non-twin child in a family with two sets of them--older brothers and younger sisters. When her family moves to an old farmhouse in a new town, the only good thing seems to be Miri's ten-sided attic bedroom. But when Miri gets sent to her room after accidentally bashing her big brother on the head, she finds herself in the same room . . . only not quite.
Without meaning to, she has found a way to travel back in time to 1935 where she discovers Molly, a girl her own age very much in need of a loving family. A highly satisfying classic-in-the-making full of spine-tingling moments, this is delightful time-travel story will have readers clamoring for another treat of twin-inspired magic in the follow up Magic in the Mix.
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School Library Journal
The middle child between two sets of twins, Miri often feels left out, overlooked, and unremarkable. When her family moves to a new home, she feels lonelier than ever. She soon learns from an elderly neighbor of a legend surrounding her house. According to town lore, many years earlier a thief left buried treasure somewhere on her property. Quickly, the siblings race to uncover it. Soon after the hunt begins she notices a small piece of glass taped to her wall. Looking through the lens, Miri finds herself still in her room, but in 1935. It is here that she meets Molly, a girl badly in need of help to escape her abusive situation, but Miri accidentally returns to her own time before she can save her new friend. Alone again, she must figure out how to rescue Molly before it's too late. This fast-paced story will delight anyone who has ever believed in magic, longed for a twin, or imagined the secrets their home might hold. The characters and setting are realistic despite the subtle elements of magic and time travel. Barrows conjures up a delightful tale brimming with mystery, magic, and adventure that will surely enchant readers everywhere.
Copyright 2008 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
ALA/Booklist
Barrows once again presents utterly real kids . . . this is pleasing fare that adds a bit of history and a tad of mystery into the mix.
Review quotes
Annie Barrows has written many books for adults, but Ivy and Bean is her first series for kids. She lives in Northern California with her husband and two daughters.
Sophie Blackall is an Australian illustrator whose previous books include Ruby's Wish and Meet Wild Boars. She lives in New York.
Classification Fiction ISBN-13 9781619636255 Lexile Measure 640L Guided Reading Level Publisher Bloomsbury U.S.A. Children's Books Publication date September 20, 2014 Series BISAC categoriesJUV053000 - Juvenile Fiction | Science Fiction
JUV037000 - Juvenile Fiction | Fantasy & Magic
JUV016150 - Juvenile Fiction | Historical | United States - 20th Century
JUV013070 - Juvenile Fiction | Family | Siblings
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Create a new reading list CloseTogether, they navigate the challenges of their respective time periods, facing danger and making difficult choices. Throughout the book, Barrows explores themes of identity, friendship, and the power of imagination. Miri's journey from a shy and overlooked girl to a brave hero underscores the importance of self-belief and resilience. The Magic Half also emphasizes the significance of human connection and the impact it can have on a person's life. Barrows' writing style is engaging and accessible, capturing the imagination of young readers. The plot is fast-paced and filled with twists and turns that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. The Magic Half is a charming and enchanting tale that will captivate readers of all ages..
Reviews for "Find out why "The Magic Half" is a must-read for all ages"
1. Jessica - 2/5 stars - I found "The Magic Half" to be quite disappointing. The concept of two girls from different time periods switching places had a lot of potential, but I felt that the execution fell flat. The characters were underdeveloped, and the plot lacked depth. Additionally, I found the writing style to be overly simplistic and lacking in nuance. Overall, I was left wanting more from this book and wouldn't recommend it.
2. Samantha - 2/5 stars - "The Magic Half" left me feeling underwhelmed. The story had an interesting premise, but the execution left a lot to be desired. The pacing was slow, and the plot felt predictable. The characters were one-dimensional and lacked depth, making it difficult to connect with them on any meaningful level. I wanted to enjoy this book, but ultimately, it failed to capture my interest or attention.
3. Brian - 1/5 stars - I couldn't get into "The Magic Half" at all. The story felt disjointed, and the transitions between different time periods were confusing. The dialogue felt forced and unnatural, making it difficult to become invested in the characters or their struggles. I also found the ending to be unsatisfying and rushed. Overall, I was disappointed with this book and wouldn't recommend it to others.
4. Emily - 3/5 stars - "The Magic Half" had an intriguing concept, but it failed to fully deliver. The plot felt rushed and lacked depth, leaving many unanswered questions. The characters were not well-developed, and their actions sometimes felt inconsistent. However, there were some enjoyable moments, particularly when the two girls interacted and learned from each other. While it had its flaws, I can appreciate the attempt to blend magic and history in a middle-grade novel.