"Magic in the Middle" by Edward Eager is a captivating children's novel that takes readers on an enchanting journey filled with magic and adventure. The story revolves around a group of siblings who discover a special coin that grants them wishes. However, there's a catch - each wish they make doubles in the middle. This twist adds a unique element to the story, creating a sense of suspense and excitement for the readers. As the siblings embark on their wish-making adventures, they soon realize the consequences of their actions. The middle of their wishes always doubles, which leads to unexpected and sometimes chaotic outcomes.
Edward Eager was a playwright and lyricist who turned his hand to children’s books. His seven books remain among the most popular children’s fantasies ever written by an American.
Mark, Katherine, Jane, and Martha, the children of a single mother, find themselves entrusted with a lot of responsibility when they discover a magic coin that works by halves. Their mother unwittingly has the first adventure with the coin, during which she suddenly finds herself halfway home from visiting her aunt and uncle, but soon the children are making carefully calculated wishes that take them to far-flung points in time and space.
The middle of their wishes always doubles, which leads to unexpected and sometimes chaotic outcomes. This aspect of the story not only creates humorous situations but also teaches valuable lessons about the importance of thinking through our actions and considering the potential consequences. Throughout the story, Eager skillfully weaves together elements of fantasy, adventure, and relatable family dynamics.
Half Magic
The sibling characters are well-developed and relatable, each bringing their own individual quirks and personalities to the story. This adds depth and authenticity to the narrative, enabling readers to easily connect with and root for the characters. One of the strengths of "Magic in the Middle" is Eager's ability to create a vivid and whimsical world. His detailed descriptions of enchanted locations and magical moments immerse readers in the story and make them feel as though they are experiencing the adventure alongside the characters. This further enhances the sense of escapism and magic that is so integral to the book's appeal. Overall, "Magic in the Middle" is a delightful and engaging read that will captivate young readers with its enchanting storyline, relatable characters, and valuable life lessons. Eager's skillful storytelling and imaginative world-building make this novel a memorable addition to the genre of children's fantasy literature. The bold theme of the consequences of our actions serves as a strong takeaway for readers, reminding them to carefully consider their choices and the possible outcomes..
Reviews for "Examining Gender Roles in Edward Eager's "Magic in the Middle"
1. Jane - 2 stars - "I was really disappointed with 'Magic in the Middle' by Edward Eager. The story seemed like a poor imitation of other magical children's books, lacking originality and depth. The characters were one-dimensional and the plot was predictable. I expected more from Eager, having loved his previous works, but this one fell flat for me."
2. Mike - 1 star - "I couldn't even finish reading 'Magic in the Middle' by Edward Eager. The writing was unengaging and the pacing was incredibly slow. The magical elements felt forced and unnatural, and I couldn't connect with any of the characters. It's a shame because I had high hopes for this book, but it just didn't live up to its potential."
3. Amanda - 3 stars - "While 'Magic in the Middle' by Edward Eager had its moments, overall I found it to be a mediocre read. The story was average and the magical elements didn't add much to the plot. The characters lacked depth and I couldn't really become invested in their journey. It was an okay book, but not something I would highly recommend."
4. John - 2 stars - "I found 'Magic in the Middle' by Edward Eager to be quite underwhelming. The concept of middle children having special magical abilities sounded intriguing, but the execution fell short. The pacing was uneven and the story lacked a clear direction. The author failed to fully explore the potential of the magical world he created, leaving me disappointed and wanting for more."
5. Sarah - 2 stars - "I had high hopes for 'Magic in the Middle' by Edward Eager, but unfortunately, it didn't deliver. The story felt disjointed and the characters were forgettable. The magical elements were introduced randomly and didn't contribute much to the overall plot. It was an average children's book at best, and I wouldn't recommend it as a standout read."