About the book
Book one in the series called \"truly magic in a reader's hands\" by Jack Gantos, Newbery Medal winner for Dead End in Norvelt.
It all begins with a strange coin on a sun-warmed sidewalk. Jane finds the coin, and because she and her siblings are having the worst, most dreadfully boring summer ever, she idly wishes something exciting would happen.
And something does: Her wish is granted. Or not quite. Only half of her wish comes true. It turns out the coin grants wishes—but only by half, so that you must wish for twice as much as you want.
Wishing for two times some things is a cinch, but other doubled wishes only cause twice as much trouble. What is half of twice a talking cat? Or to be half-again twice not-here? And how do you double your most heartfelt wish, the one you care about so much it has to be perfect?
This funny and gentle classic series is an enjoyable read-aloud and also a strong choice for independent reading. For fans of such favorite series as The Penderwicks and The Vanderbeekers.
Enjoy all seven of the middle grade novels in Edward Eager's beloved Tales of Magic series!
Jane, Mark, Katharine, and Martha's story is a perfect blend of the magical and the everyday:
- A Timeless Sibling Story: Four children, one boring summer, and the discovery that changes everything. Follow Jane, Mark, Katharine, and Martha as they navigate the biggest challenge of their lives.
- An Unforgettable Magic Talisman: An ordinary-looking coin is the key to a world of enchantment, but with a catch—it only grants wishes by half!
- Hilarious Magical Mishaps: From a cat that can only half-talk to adventures that are only half-planned, the children must puzzle their way through the comical chaos of their half-wishes.
- For Fans of E. Nesbit: A witty, charming, and gentle fantasy in the grand tradition of classic children's literature, perfect for readers who love The Penderwicks and The Vanderbeekers.
Editions of Half Magic
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780544671720
- EBook
- ISBN 9780547540160
Read an Excerpt
Book one in the series called \"truly magic in a reader's hands\" by Jack Gantos, Newbery Medal winner for Dead End in Norvelt.
It all begins with a strange coin on a sun-warmed sidewalk. Jane finds the coin, and because she and her siblings are having the worst, most dreadfully boring summer ever, she idly wishes something exciting would happen.
And something does: Her wish is granted. Or not quite. Only half of her wish comes true. It turns out the coin grants wishes—but only by half, so that you must wish for twice as much as you want.
Wishing for two times some things is a cinch, but other doubled wishes only cause twice as much trouble. What is half of twice a talking cat? Or to be half-again twice not-here? And how do you double your most heartfelt wish, the one you care about so much it has to be perfect?
This funny and gentle classic series is an enjoyable read-aloud and also a strong choice for independent reading. For fans of such favorite series as The Penderwicks and The Vanderbeekers.
Enjoy all seven of the middle grade novels in Edward Eager's beloved Tales of Magic series!
Jane, Mark, Katharine, and Martha's story is a perfect blend of the magical and the everyday:
- A Timeless Sibling Story: Four children, one boring summer, and the discovery that changes everything. Follow Jane, Mark, Katharine, and Martha as they navigate the biggest challenge of their lives.
- An Unforgettable Magic Talisman: An ordinary-looking coin is the key to a world of enchantment, but with a catch—it only grants wishes by half!
- Hilarious Magical Mishaps: From a cat that can only half-talk to adventures that are only half-planned, the children must puzzle their way through the comical chaos of their half-wishes.
- For Fans of E. Nesbit: A witty, charming, and gentle fantasy in the grand tradition of classic children's literature, perfect for readers who love The Penderwicks and The Vanderbeekers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Half Magic about?
Book one in the series called \"truly magic in a reader's hands\" by Jack Gantos, Newbery Medal winner for Dead End in Norvelt.
It all begins with a strange coin on a sun-warmed sidewalk. Jane finds the coin, and because she and her siblings are having the worst, most dreadfully boring summer ever, she idly wishes something exciting would happen.
And something does: Her wish is granted. Or not quite. Only half of her wish comes true. It turns out the coin grants wishes—but only by half, so that you must wish for twice as much as you want.
Wishing for two times some things is a cinch, but other doubled wishes only cause twice as much trouble. What is half of twice a talking cat? Or to be half-again twice not-here? And how do you double your most heartfelt wish, the one you care about so much it has to be perfect?
This funny and gentle classic series is an enjoyable read-aloud and also a strong choice for independent reading. For fans of such favorite series as The Penderwicks and The Vanderbeekers.
Enjoy all seven of the middle grade novels in Edward Eager's beloved Tales of Magic series!
Jane, Mark, Katharine, and Martha's story is a perfect blend of the magical and the everyday:
- A Timeless Sibling Story: Four children, one boring summer, and the discovery that changes everything. Follow Jane, Mark, Katharine, and Martha as they navigate the biggest challenge of their lives.
- An Unforgettable Magic Talisman: An ordinary-looking coin is the key to a world of enchantment, but with a catch—it only grants wishes by half!
- Hilarious Magical Mishaps: From a cat that can only half-talk to adventures that are only half-planned, the children must puzzle their way through the comical chaos of their half-wishes.
- For Fans of E. Nesbit: A witty, charming, and gentle fantasy in the grand tradition of classic children's literature, perfect for readers who love The Penderwicks and The Vanderbeekers.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Half Magic?
Children’s, Teenage and Educational > Children’s / Teenage fiction and true stories > Children’s / Teenage fiction and true stories: Cultural heritage / traditional stories
Where can I read a sample of Half Magic?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780544671720
Is Half Magic part of a series, and can it be read as a standalone?
Yes it is a part of series Tales of Magic
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Half Magic?
Alice Hoffman, Edward Eager
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Half Magic is available as paperback(ISBN 9780544671720) and ebook(ISBN 9780547540160)
Where can I buy Half Magic online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy Half Magic from below
Where can I buy Half Magic?