Dragonborn: A Fantasy About Identity, Grief, and Discovering Who You Are

 Some fantasy stories are driven by action alone, while others are shaped just as much by emotion and identity. Dragonborn by Struan Murray falls into the second category — a darker, thoughtful fantasy that explores grief, control, and what it means to grow into who you truly are.

This juvenile fantasy novel blends dragons and magic with very real feelings of loss, fear, and self-doubt, making it especially compelling for readers who enjoy fantasy with emotional depth.

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Brief Summary

The story follows Alex, a girl whose life changes dramatically shortly after the death of her father. Her mother, overwhelmed by fear and anxiety, becomes extremely overprotective, carefully scheduling every aspect of Alex’s life and leaving little room for independence.

Everything shifts when a mysterious man arrives and reveals a shocking truth: Alex is not fully human — she is a dragon.

Unlike the other dragonborn students she later meets, Alex cannot transform into her dragon form. Instead, she remains stuck in her human body, unsure if she truly belongs in the dragon world at all. She is sent to a dragon school to learn more about who she is and what she might become, even though she seems to lack the most important dragon ability.

As Alex struggles to fit in, she discovers she has a different — and dangerous — power: the rare ability to communicate with dead dragons. This unexpected gift forces her to confront hidden truths and rethink what it truly means to be dragonborn.

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The Good

This book does an excellent job blending fantasy with emotional realism. Alex’s grief over her father’s death and her complicated relationship with her mother feel authentic and relatable, even within a magical setting.

From a classroom and library perspective, Dragonborn supports:

• Themes of identity and belonging

• Coping with loss and change

• Independence versus overprotection

• Discovering strengths that don’t fit expectations

Readers who enjoy character-driven fantasy will appreciate the depth and complexity of this story.

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The Not-So-Good (From a School Librarian Lens)

This is a dark and emotionally intense read, and the pacing is deliberate. Some students may find the tone heavy, particularly early in the book as the story explores grief, fear, and control.

It’s also worth noting that the book includes one mild instance of language (“damn”). While this is unlikely to be an issue for most older readers, it’s something I always note from a school librarian perspective.

Because of these elements, this title is best matched thoughtfully to readers who are ready for complex emotions and sustained tension.

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Classroom & Curriculum Connections

While primarily a recreational read, Dragonborn offers strong discussion opportunities for older students:

ELA

• Character development and internal conflict

• Theme analysis (identity, power, belonging)

• How fantasy reflects real-world emotions

SEL

• Navigating grief and loss

• Managing control and independence

• Recognizing strengths that look different

This book would work well in fantasy literature circles or as an option for advanced or avid readers.

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Overall

Dragonborn is a moody, atmospheric fantasy that asks big questions about identity, power, and belonging. While it may not appeal to every reader, it offers a powerful experience for students who enjoy darker stories with emotional weight.

For school libraries serving upper-elementary and middle-school readers, this is a strong — if intense — addition to a fantasy collection.

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Recommended Grade Levels

Grades 5–8
Best suited for mature readers who enjoy darker, character-driven fantasy.

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Why Your Students Will Love It

Students who enjoy dragons, secret identities, and magical schools will be drawn in quickly. Alex’s struggle to belong — and her discovery that power doesn’t always look the way we expect — makes this a story that lingers long after the final page.

A Brush with Magic: A Gentle Fantasy Inspired by Korean Art, Culture, and Storytelling

 Art has a way of connecting us to culture, family, and stories bigger than ourselves. A Brush with Magic by Flora Ahn blends creativity, heritage, and imagination into a fantasy that will especially appeal to readers interested in Korean culture, art, and character-driven storytelling.

The story follows Yumi, who travels to South Korea for the summer while her parents remain behind for work. Although both of her parents are Korean, Yumi initially feels disconnected from the place and uncertain about where she belongs. She arrives expecting to spend time with her older sister, Minji, but quickly realizes Minji would rather hang out with their cousins — leaving Yumi feeling lonely and sidelined.

With little else to do, Yumi begins spending time with her grandfather, who introduces her to traditional Korean ink brush painting and shares stories rooted in folklore. These moments become the emotional anchor of the book, offering Yumi a connection to her family history and a new way to express herself.

When her grandfather is away and Yumi runs out of art supplies, she wanders into a mysterious art shop to buy more. What she brings home turns out to be far more than ordinary — an ancient brush infused with magic. When Yumi uses it, she accidentally summons a spirit and is swept into a series of unexpected adventures she never would have chosen on her own.

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The Good

This is a gentle fantasy well suited for readers who enjoy imaginative stories without intense danger or nonstop action. Fans of Howl’s Moving Castle will recognize a similar cozy, whimsical tone — magical, atmospheric, and driven more by character than plot.

One of the book’s strongest elements is its cultural richness. Ahn does a wonderful job bringing Seoul to life through descriptions of the city’s sights, sounds, and smells, making the setting feel vivid and immersive.

This book will especially appeal to:

• Students interested in Korean culture and folklore

• Readers who enjoy art, painting, and creative expression

• Fantasy readers who prefer softer, lower-stakes stories

The inclusion of traditional Korean ink brush painting adds a unique artistic thread that sets this story apart from more familiar fantasy titles.

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The Not-So-Good (From a School Librarian Lens)

This is a quiet, character-focused story, which means it won’t be the right fit for every reader. Students looking for fast pacing or constant action may struggle to stay engaged.

However, when matched with the right audience — particularly readers who enjoy atmosphere, cultural exploration, and creativity — the book’s style feels intentional. This is a title I would recommend thoughtfully, rather than broadly.

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Classroom & Curriculum Connections

A Brush with Magic offers several natural cross-curricular connections:

• Art:

  • Exploring traditional Korean ink brush painting

  • Creating artwork inspired by cultural techniques

• Social Studies / Global Learning:

  • Learning about Korean culture and traditions

  • Discussing identity and connections to family heritage

• ELA / SEL:

  • Feelings of belonging and loneliness

  • Navigating sibling relationships

  • Finding confidence through creativity

This book works well within a global literature unit, an art-integrated lesson, or a multicultural reading display.

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Overall

A Brush with Magic is an imaginative and culturally rich story that blends gentle fantasy with meaningful themes. While it may not appeal to every reader, it offers a rewarding experience for students interested in art, creativity, and learning about Korean culture.

I especially enjoyed the nods to Howl’s Moving Castle and the opportunity to experience Korea through a magical lens. With the right audience, this book has the potential to spark curiosity, creativity, and thoughtful discussion.

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Recommended Grade Levels

Grades 4–7
Best suited for readers who enjoy character-driven fantasy and cultural storytelling.

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Why Your Students Will Love It

Students who enjoy art and painting will be drawn to Yumi’s journey. The magical brush, the spirit-filled adventures, and the vivid setting make this a story that feels imaginative without being overwhelming — ideal for readers who want magic with heart.

Blood in the Water: A Slow-Burn Thriller That Hooks Readers with History, Horror, and Suspense

Blood in the Water by Tiffany D. Jackson is a Scholastic title that immediately caught students’ attention during our book fair. As I was preparing displays, students were instantly drawn in after watching the book trailer Scholastic provides — the tension, mystery, and ominous tone did exactly what a great trailer should do: it made them want to know more.

Tiffany D. Jackson is well known for her suspenseful writing, and this book is no exception. The story unfolds on Martha’s Vineyard, a setting rich with history and atmosphere. What begins as a quieter, slower-paced story gradually builds into something far more intense, revealing how fear, bias, and misunderstanding can escalate with devastating consequences.

At the center of the story is Kaliani, whose experience invites readers to examine how people are treated when fear takes over — and how quickly assumptions can replace truth.

The Good

One of this book’s greatest strengths is how it showcases Black history connected to Martha’s Vineyard, making it a meaningful curriculum connection for social studies and ELA classrooms.

The story also offers a strong look at the judicial process, creating natural opportunities for:

• Mock trials

• Analyzing evidence and perspective

• Discussing fairness, bias, and justice

From an SEL perspective, students can explore how Kaliani feels about the way she is treated, how fear impacts decision-making, and what it means to be unheard or misjudged.

The Not-So-Good (From a School Librarian Lens)

This is a slow-burn novel, especially at the beginning, and some students may need encouragement to push through the early chapters. That said, readers who stick with it will find themselves pulled into twists and turns that make the final portion of the book feel like a roller coaster ride.

It’s also important to note that this story falls within the horror/suspense genre. There are intense scenes that may be uncomfortable for younger or sensitive readers, making this a book best recommended with intention.

About the Author

Tiffany D. Jackson is a master storyteller known for keeping readers on the edge of their seats. Her ability to blend suspense with real-world issues is what makes her books so impactful.

I first read Allegedly back in 2017, and it’s a story that has stayed with me ever since — a testament to Jackson’s skill at crafting narratives that linger long after the final page. With Blood in the Water, she once again proves her gift for building tension and delivering powerful, thought-provoking stories.

Classroom & Curriculum Connections

This book offers strong cross-curricular opportunities, particularly for middle and upper grades:

• Social Studies:

  • Black history of Martha’s Vineyard

  • Community response to fear and crisis

• ELA:

  • Character perspective

  • Theme, conflict, and suspense

• SEL / Civics:

  • Fairness, bias, and empathy

  • How fear influences behavior and judgment

• Science & Health Extensions:
  Teachers can extend the story by discussing shark attacks, including:

  • Why shark encounters happen

  • How rare shark attacks actually are

  • General water safety tips and how to reduce risk

This adds a real-world connection that helps students separate fear from facts.

Overall

Blood in the Water is a gripping, unsettling read that rewards patient readers. Tiffany D. Jackson’s talent for suspense is on full display, blending history, horror, and social commentary into a story that invites deep discussion.

For students who enjoy thrillers with substance — and for educators looking to spark conversations about justice, fear, and safety — this book offers powerful possibilities.

Recommended Grade Levels

Grades 6 and up
Best suited for mature middle-grade readers and early high school students.

Why Your Students Will Love It

Students who enjoy suspense will be hooked by the tension and twists, especially once the story gains momentum. Many readers will find themselves eager to talk about what’s fair, what isn’t, and how fear can quickly change the way people are treated.

The Detective's Assistant

The Detective's Assistant 

By: Kate Hannigan 

Release Date: April 17, 2015

Audience: Grades 4 and up 

Pages: 368 

"And suddenly I understood what it meant to have faith in someone. Faith wasn't about evidence and eyewitnesses, like with Aunt Kitty and Mr. Pinkerton's other detectives. Faith was something you knew inside- from your heart all the way to the tip of your toes."


The Story 

From Goodreads 

Eleven-year-old Nell Warne arrives on her aunt's doorstep lugging a heavy sack of sorrows. If her Aunt Kate rejects her, it's the miserable Home for the Friendless. Her aunt is immediately hesitant to take Nell in. Nell's father killed Kate's husband. 

Luckily, canny Nell makes herself indispensable to Aunt Kate...and not just by helping out with household chores. For Aunt Kate is the first-ever female detective employed by the legendary Pinkerton Detective Agency. And Nell has a knack for the kind of close listening and bold action that made Pinkerton detectives famous in Civil War-era America. With huge, nation-changing events simmering in the background, Nell uses skills new and old to uncover truths about her past and solve mysteries in the present. It is up to Nell solve the biggest mystery of all and to find out what happened to her uncle and prove her father's innocence. 

Based on the extraordinary true story of Kate Warne, this fast-paced adventure recounts feats of daring and danger...including saving the life of Abraham Lincoln! 

Strengths

Two things I liked about the story:

1. The main character, Nell, has a African American best friend.  As they write each other throughout the book, they discuss the racial issues, underground railroad, and abolition. This is such a sneaky way to teach kids about these issues!

2. It brings to light the history of Kate Warne & gender roles. The book also covers how Kate Warne saved Abraham Lincoln from an assassination attempt. I loved that it highlighted this. Girls can do anything!

Weaknesses 

 My biggest concern is that I felt like it was too long for most middle graders. This would have been better if it covered one or two mystery cases. My middle graders tend to like things that are about
150 -250 pages.  If it is anything more, their little eyes go big and they ask for something else.

With this, I think it will only appeal to my eager reading historical fiction lovers. Unfortunately, there is just not a lot of these kids.

Overall, I do feel like this is a face paced and exciting read.

I will try my best to sell this one to my library kids.


Extras 



Interview with the Author

Discussion Questions


Non- Fiction Book Pairings 










Pamela 

Sweet Sounds: Mossflower by Brian Jacques

Goodreads Synopsis:

The thrilling prequel to "Redwall". The clever and greedy wildcat Tsarmina becomes ruler of all Mossflower Woods and is determined to govern the peaceful woodlanders with an iron paw. The brave mouse Martin and quick-talking mouse thief Gonff meet in the depths of Kotir Castle's dungeon. The two escape and resolve to end Tsarmina's tyrannical rule. Joined by Young Dinny the mole, Martin and Gonff set off on a dangerous quest for Salamandastron, where they are convinced that their only hope, Boar the Fighter, still lives.

Audio Review:

Brian Jacques, in my opinion, is one of the few authors in the last thirty years whose works crossed the line from just "books" to "literature." What is the difference? A fictional book becomes literature when, at minimum, it contains excellent vocabulary and sentence structure, a semi-complex plot, and well rounded characters that develop and grow throughout the course of the story. Redwall does not disappoint in any of these respects. This series is enjoyable to read, but even more fun to listen to. (Just ask my twenty year-old brother who after discovering the series about ten years ago has listened to all the Redwalls available on audio at least four times a piece and is still listening...) The recently deceased Jacques with a full cast of actors narrate all the Redwall audios. 

The only negative I would mention is also one of the aspects that gives Redwall its unique charm. Jacques has given many of the species of animals an unusual accent. The most notable example of this are the moles who articulate with exceedingly thick brogues and use such words as "girt." As a result, there are times when it can be difficult to understand what the characters are saying. If you are new to Redwall, there are a few different places you could start.  I would suggest beginning either at the beginning with "Redwall" or with one of the prequels such as "Martin the Warrior" or "Mossflower." I particularly enjoy "Mossflower," as it chronicles the events that lead to the founding of the famed Redwall Abbey and gives the listener a tingly, delicious, sense of beginning. 

The thing I probably appreciate most about this series is the multiple narrator format. In my opinion it makes the story more engaging and helps keep the multitudinous characters distinct. For these stories this works well, but I have found that I also enjoy a single narrator. For example, John R. Erickson does a phenomenal job narrating the Hank the Cowdog series. (You can read more about Hank here.)

What do you think of audiobooks with multiple narrators and radio theatre? Do you prefer this format or a single narrator?

If you like Redwall, check out these obscure gems:

Note: these are not available in audio format that I am aware of.



~Alyssa

Ava & Taco Cat

Ava and Taco Cat 

By: Carol Weston 

Release Date: April 7, 2015

Age Range: 8 and up 

Pages: 224 

Please note: Ava and Taco Cat is the second book in  the Ava and Pip series.

The Story 

Ava comes from a literary loving family. She is obsessed with palindromes and trying to find them in her everyday life. When her 11th birthday comes up, Ava wants nothing more than to have a pet cat. With the help of her sister and some careful persuasion, Ava is able to convenience her parents to get her a cat. Since Ava is obsessed with palindromes, she naturally names the cat Taco Cat.  Once Ava brings the cat home, she quickly discovers that having a pet is not what she imagined. The cat hides under the couch, won't let anyone pet him, and even gets sick. Just as Taco Cat starts to adjust, a lady shows up at Ava's household and claims that Taco Cat is hers. Ava must try to navigate the ways of pet ownership and save Taco Cat! 

Strengths 

Being a cat lover, I had to snuggle close to my cat and read this book.

This was a heart warming tale of an 11 year-old girl and her quest to try and get her parents to get her a pet cat. I felt like I related to the character in this aspect & I think a lot of readers will too. I found it to be really cute, and I did enjoy the literary discussions and creative writing tops within the book.  

Weaknesses 

When I try to find an audience for this book, I really struggle.
 To me, I felt like this book would have been best if it was written at a lower reading level, but it is written in a way that it would be more appropriate for kids that are older.

With all of the literary puns and sayings within the book, I am not sure if this would have appeal.
Perhaps a young reader who is reading above their reading level may enjoy this book? Or a middle grader who has a passion for writing?

I will have to try and book talk it to my kids, and see if I have some takers!
Since it is about a cat, I do think that it could have some readers.

Either way, I do think it has some merit and would make a great family book. It would be the perfect opportunity for adults to discuss the meanings of some of the words (like palindromes) and the responsibility of having a pet.

My cat, Dexter, gives it two paws up.




- Pamela 

Willie's Redneck Time Machine by John Luke Robertson and Travis Thrasher

Goodreads Synopsis:

In this four-book juvenile fiction series featuring the popular Robertson family of Duck Commander and written by Phil's grandson John Luke Robertson (with Travis Thrasher), readers are invited to participate in the zany fun of the Duck Commander world. After a few chapters, readers can choose to go down different paths--all filled with humor and life lessons.In this volume, Willie finds a mysterious wooden crate in the Duck Commander warehouse. Only John Luke is around, so the two of them open up the box and find a strange device. It turns out it's a time machine that looks a bit like an outhouse. Willie and John Luke test out the machine and find themselves journeying back and forth in time. They have crazy adventures but know they need to make it back to West Monroe. But will they make the right choices to get back at the right time?

Review:

I have to admit, I was pretty excited when I found this book in the stacks. Duck Dynasty is a show I find vastly amusing and a "Choose Your Adventure" style book starring the Robertsons sounded like a good time to me. This was my first time reading this style of book and I discovered that it is not my favorite. This is a purely personality based judgment. I am a goal-driven individual and relish being able to measure progress, even in a book I absolutely love! (This is one reason why e-readers will probably never work for me.) In this particular format, there is absolutely no way to measure progress. Additionally, I have to read every single page in a book to feel like I can mark it "Read" in Goodreads. (Because, of course you haven't actually read a book unless it's on your Goodreads...)   In order to complete "Willie's Redneck Time Machine," I had to thumb through every page of the book to make sure I had followed all the storylines. With that being said, I can absolutely see the draw to this style. It is perfect for reluctant readers and for kids who enjoy a fast paced read!  As far as writing quality goes, this one isn't winning any awards, but the plots were so entertaining, I actually did not care that much about the quality of the writing. One final note: one of the stories continues in another book in the series and I thought that was kind of cheater-cheater-pumpkin-eater...

And the verdict on "Willie's Redneck Time Machine?" Three out of five ducks. Quack.

Go read this book. It's very fluffy, but so amusing!

Are you a fan of the "Choose Your Own Adventure" style? What are some of your favorite books or series in this format? 

Alyssa

Gaby. Lost and Found

Gaby, Lost and Found 

By: Angela Cervantes

Release Date: July 2013

Age Range- 8-12 

Pages- 224

The Story 

 (From Amazon)

Wanted: One amazing forever home for one amazing sixth grader.

Gaby loves volunteering at the local animal shelter for a class project. She takes special pride in writing adoption advertisements. Her flyers help the cats and dogs there find their forever homes.

Gaby is in need of a forever home herself. Her mother has recently been deported, and Gaby is stuck living with her inattentive dad. She’s confident that her mom will come home soon so they can adopt Gaby’s favorite shelter cat together. 

But when the cat’s owners turn up at the shelter, & her dad decides to move- Gaby hope of her perfect family begins to fall apart. Gaby must try to find a way to save Feather & reunite with her mom before it is too late. 

If this wasn't enough: check out  this great  Scholastic Book Trailer with the author 

Angela Cervantes. 

My Review 

Okay, so I might be a sucker for animal books.... 

First off, let me say that I really appreciate that this is a Multi-culture book. 

I love that it is sprinkled with Spanish words & it describes traditional Spanish dishes. I also liked that it addresses the deportation issue. When Gaby's mom is deported back to Honduras, I am ashamed to say that I had to look up where this country is. I knew the general area, but I did not know much about it. It is located just north of Nicaragua by the way! 

I also liked how it described how hard it was for her mom to come to the U.S. & how she struggled to make a life for her and her daughter. Overall, I felt like it gave a great introduction to these issues that I think many kids and adults will learn from. 

Since I felt like I learned a lot from this book, I am really excited to share it with my kids at work. The story turns out to be a little too good to be true, but I think that this is great for kids & I really felt like Angela Cervantes addresses the issue of deportation with grace for this age group. I also appreciated how the author used animals to make the book relatable for everyone. I will defiantly recommend this book to all my animal loving tweens. 

Discussion Questions 

The book is called “Gaby, Lost & Found.” How is Gaby lost? How is she found?

Gaby’s mom believed that we need to take care of animals. Do you think we have a responsibility to take care of animals?

For the service project, Gaby’s job was to write profiles for animals in the shelter. How did this help the animals get adopted? If you could adopt one of the animals from Gaby’s flyers, which one would you adopt and why?

Why did Gaby want to take Feather home & not any of the other animals at the shelter?

Do you think it was right that Gaby stole Feather?

Gaby is embarrassed that her & her dad have to go to Food Harvest to get food. Why is she embarrassed? Is this a bad thing?

Gaby was shaped by her heritage. How are we shaped by our heritage? What is your heritage?

Gaby noticed many people dropping off animals. Why do people do this? What could they do instead?

By the end of the book, Gaby’s mom could not return to Gaby. Do you think that her mom will ever come home? Do you think that Gaby will ever visit Honduras?

Gaby was bullied by Dolores & Jan. How did they bully her? Should Gaby have done something differently?  

-Pamela 

The Princess and the Goblin by George MacDonald

Goodreads Synopsis:

A Foundational Fairy Tale by Master of the Genre, George MacDonald “Seeing is not believing - it is only seeing.” ― George MacDonald, The Princess and the Goblin 

George MacDonald's novel, The Princess and the Goblin, is a charming fairy tale of a young girl who sets out for adventure, meets a young miner boy, and helps save the kingdom from destruction by Goblins. Beneath the simple story is Christian symbolism and imaginative writing. Many writers such as C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, Madeleine L'Engle, and Lewis Carroll have been influenced by George MacDonald and The Princess and the Goblin. 

Review:

My love of C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien first introduced me to The Princess and the Goblin. A coworker mentioned this novel had helped inspire such works as The Lord of the Rings and the The Chronicles of Narnia, which instantly peaked my interest! Any author that had inspired the works I considered the pinnacle of greatness for fiction, must be worth trying. Eagerly, I procured an audiobook of the tale and entered Irene and Curdie's world. 

One point I must make, is that this is not Narnia or Lord of the Rings. However, it is of a rare kind of literature that speaks to something deeper in a person than most stories. It enters soul level. This is what attracts adults to a story written for children, and sets it apart as great literature. This tome is layered. One can dig, read, and reread and still reap new fruits. A richly layered fairy tale that can truly be savored by a range of ages!

Until next time,

~Alyssa

The Little White Horse by Elizabeth Goudge

Throwback Tweens Read Thursdays

Goodreads Synopsis:

When orphaned young Maria Merryweather arrives at Moonacre Manor, she feels as if she’s entered Paradise. Her new guardian, her uncle Sir Benjamin, is kind and funny; the Manor itself feels like home right away; and every person and animal she meets is like an old friend. But there is something incredibly sad beneath all of this beauty and comfort—a tragedy that happened years ago, shadowing Moonacre Manor and the town around it—and Maria is determined to learn about it, change it, and give her own life story a happy ending. But what can one solitary girl do?

A new-fashioned story that is as wonderful as the best fairy tales.

Review:

After my post about the importance of old books, I decided it was high time we began reviewing them! Introducing: Throwback Tweens Read Thursdays! We'll start with this gem of a book. The Little White Horse has all the right components that comprise a good fairy tale: a struggle between good an evil, character growth, romance, and magic. Elizabeth Goudge is an excellent wordsmith and brings every moment to life in a deliciously lyrical manner.

The Little White Horse exudes a quirky brand of charm. The name of the characters in particular suggest a vivid imagination and love of words in the author. Indeed, these names suggest the personality of each character, before description is ever given. For example, give your imagination reign with these tasty confections: Loveday Minette, Marmaduke Scarlet, and Zachariah the Cat. Perhaps you imagined sweetness in Loveday, a temper in Marmaduke, and realized that Zachariah is no ordinary cat.

Maria, the primary protagonist, is a strong female character in possession of many of the qualities desirous in an effective leader. I particularly love Maria's tenacity. She has her faults, but each time she is confronted with them, she does not try to make excuses or pass blame on someone else. Rather, she faces them, immediately takes steps to change them, and perseveres in her improvement. This quality is what truly characterizes Maria as a mature thirteen year old who is "wise beyond her years."

I was a little frightened to reread this book, because occasionally some of the charm disappears from first read to second. Not so with The Little White Horse! Now, I must admit, as with most books, this is not a book for everyone. (In fact, I only know of one that fully fits that description.) However, if you or your tweens enjoy a good fairy tale with a strong portrayal of good and evil, this is the book for you!

What are some of your favorite "throwback" books? Let us know!

~Alyssa

Dorko the Magnificent By Andrea Beaty

Dorko the Magnificent 

By: Andrea Beaty 

• Age Range: 8 - 12 years
• Grade Level: 3 - 7
• Paperback: 240 pages
• Published: April 1, 2013

The Story 

*Based off of the Summary From BookPage*

Robbie Darko, dubbed “Dorko” by the class bully, sets out to perform the greatest magic trick his town has ever seen at the upcoming school talent show. Much to his parents’ and teachers’ dismay (and his classmates’ delight), Robbie uses every possible opportunity to practice his craft, but the arrival of Grandma Melvyn threatens to make Robbie’s grand plan disappear into thin air.

Until she moves into his room, Grandma Melvyn has just been that ill-tempered, smelly, distant elderly relative with the “Wicked Wobble Eye” who isn’t even anyone’s actual grandmother.  Little does Robbie know what tricks Grandma Melvyn, literally, has up her sleeves. 

When the classic tablecloth trick Dorko performs in front of his whole family goes hilariously wrong, Robbie is stunned when Grandma Melvyn explodes with laughter and congratulates him on a job well done. It is then that Robbie learns that Grandma Melvyn was a famous magician. After this, Grandma Melyn starts teaching Robbie her incredible magician’s secrets. 

Robbie, his friend Cat, and Grandma Melyn start to spend weeks working on a disappearing act for the school talent show that is sure to have the whole town talking for years to come, but it is Grandma Melyn who ends up disappearing. Robbie now must make the show go on without her, and learn the true meaning of magic. 

Book Trailer 

Notes for Reader's Advisory & Review

This book was filled with clever humor and relatable situations that make this book a entertaining read.  I think readers will enjoy its wit and its sweet story regarding Grandma Melyn. 

Even though I did enjoy this book , I did feel like it was not memorable to me. 

In the words of Despicable Me: 



....and very predictable, but maybe I am being too harsh. I just found it to be very similar to many other middle grade novels. 

I do think that readers who enjoy realistic fiction may enjoy this book. As I have mentioned earlier, it is relatable. For instance, the family struggles financially, and Robbie's mom has to take on a job to help support his family. Robbie must adjust to not having his mom stay at home all the time, and adjust to his dad being away a majority of the time to support the family. I think many readers will also relate to an elderly relative moving in as well. The author addresses these situations with a great deal of humor that I appreciated. 

So in that regard, I think this book does a great job & I think there is an audience for it. 

I might also recommend this book to readers who enjoy doing magic tricks.  
You could also easily pair this book with a non fiction book on how to do magic too. 

Overall, I thought this was pretty good book, and I think as educators and parents you could do a lot with it. 

Since it was not memorable to me, however, I will have to give this book three stars.

For more, here are some discussion questions

Discussion Questions

Do you like that Dorko talks to the reader? At one point  Dorko suggests that his life be made into a movie. Do you think this story would make a good movie? If your life was a movie, who would play you? Would it be a comedy, drama, or action?

Is magic real?  What is magic? Dorko says that the stage is the most important part of a magical act & that details matter. He also goes onto say that timing is everything. What does this mean? Do you agree or disagree with Dorko?

What is a stereotypical grandma like? What makes Dorko’s grandma different? Why does she call everyone “trixie?”

Dorko’s mom often gets busy and forgets to tell Dorko important things (like how his grandma is staying with them). How do you think his mom should have approached this differently?

Dorko is upset that his parents didn’t have enough to pay for cable & he had to go to the library for movies. What things does your library offer?

When Grandma Melvin visits Dorko’s class, she makes it look like he stole from her. Why does she do this? What would you have done if your grandma did this to you?

Grandma Melvin stopped doing magic due to a tragic event.
Why did this stop  her from doing magic?

Over the course of the book, Dorko’s relationship with his Grandmother changes. How does it change? Cat also has a special relationship with Grandma Melvin.
What does Cat think of her? Are Cat and Grandma Melvin alike? *Bonus* What is   your grandmother like?

Dorko’s is passionate about magic. What are some of your interests or talents?

Dorko got his nickname from a class bully. Do you have any nicknames?  If  you do, how did you get your nickname? 

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What did you think of it?

Until next time,

-Pamela