The Magic Half

I read this book, to my three older children ages 10, 8, and 6. They were super excited to read it each night and would routinely beg for one more chapter. Honestly, I think if they were to review it, they would give it five stars. I found that the story was exciting and fun, but that I had to constantly edit the language. This book was not appropriate for me or my children. The Lord's name was taken in vain repeatedly, as well as phrases like "you suck," "stupid," "you jerk!" "I hate you," and "shut up" used between siblings. The book did have dark undertones and discussed the possible murder of a young child, but the language was the most offensive to me. I was glad that I read it to them, so that I could edit it. I wish I could recommend this book to others, but I cannot. I have never written a review before, but I wish someone else had warned me.

This is a story I would have enjoyed reading when I was 9 or 10 or 11. Miri is the only non-twin among her brothers and sisters and she feels left out. Like a fifth wheel. One day on time out in her bedroom, she notices a lens from a pair of eyeglasses taped to the baseboard. She is a girl with imagination and curiosity so she peels off the tape and looks through the lens (her own glasses were broken during a tussle with one of her brothers) to check out the lens. There's a special magic that occurs which takes her back 75 years to her bedroom in the year 1935. She meets Molly, a girl exactly her age who needs magical help.

I read this book early in my childhood and it stuck with me so strongly through my adulthood that I went on a wild chase to find it. This was not the cheapest option, but it was in perfect condition.

A few days ago, after celebrating my deceased mother's birthday, I had a flash of memory of her reading this book to me when I was younger. I loved it then, and I love it now! I'm fifteen, and I loved the aspects of time travel and magic. I finished this book in a day. It was exciting, suspenseful, and had me on my toes the whole time! This needs to be a fandom (if any of you parents can pick up on what I'm saying). I love this book. You probably will, too. Read it to your kids. Read it to yourself. This book is extremely memorable, much more than the Ivy and Bean series.

The Magic Half was recommended to me by Jeanne Birdsall the author of The Penderwicks (another terrific read for this age group) and I was not disappointed. My 10 year old daughter and I read it together. It was wonderful. Miri is quite a likable main character. She is adventurous and a strong thinker - my daughter was trying to figure out each step along with Miri throughout the book. We got so involved in the story that my daughter begged to finish it one morning after breakfast - we read over 50 pages that morning in order to find out the magical ending. This was a joy! My daughter could easily have read it on her own and I am so glad she chose it as one for us to read together!

I am 19 and just finished reading this book. I thought it was a pretty good book. It is geared more to a younger age and it is very simply written but I still liked it. The story line us very cool and though I liked it ok for what it was I feel like it could have been more elaborate and taken to another level. I would say its perfect for about a 5th grader which is ironic since the lead character is a 5th grader.

Such a cute and clever story! It takes place split between modern day and the 1930s. Miri feels like the one child in her family who isn't special. She discovers her place with the help from Molly, a girl who lived in their house decades ago. The story is sassy, smart, and touching.

I am not a kid, nor a parent, but am solidly (ugggg hate to say that out loud) in my middle adult years. I loved the book and found it a delightful read. Now truth be told, I'm part of a reading group where we read out loud. This would be a great book for our group of mostly adults. There are a few kids but they would be listening with their parents.I like time travel and alternate reality stories. The author addressed the time cunundrum issues very well. As a reader, I believed all the possibilities.

I love a good time travel story and The Magic Half didn’t disappoint. Molly and Miri were always meant to be together and they made it happen. So glad this is a series. I want to spend more time with the girls and their family.A fantastic middle grade book.