An irresistible chance for kids to get the inside track on knowledge and power for a change.
Aspiring magicians, gather round!
Despite the title’s hint at transgression, the tricks covered here are all in good fun, though the first one involves getting parents to promise (in writing) something they’d otherwise probably not endorse. But Kwong assures us that “parents want to be fooled.” (And none of the tricks requires a rabbit, at least.) The author clearly explains plenty of illusions, from making your cellphone disappear to flattening a quarter to identifying a crayon by color without looking at it. He specifies what supplies are needed, describes the setup, and lays out steps. Korfhage’s drawings offer both careful depictions of the sequence and casual decorative vignettes. Kwong also suggests a backup plan in case readers flub a trick. A glossary defines specific terms, such as ditch and load. Sidebars provide tidbits about famous tricks and magicians of the past, such as Talma, known for an illusion called “Asrah the Floating Princess.” Kwong also covers disabled magicians, including Richard Turner, a blind card mechanic. After the first section, devoted to sleight of hand, Kwong branches out to explore technology-based magic, mentalism, and tricks based on codes. Math and chemistry play a role in some tricks; an understanding of psychology is essential. The author urges readers to “practice, practice, practice” before performing, and he warns them “to use your new powers for good, not evil!” Final art not seen.
An irresistible chance for kids to get the inside track on knowledge and power for a change. (Nonfiction. 8-12)Pub Date: Oct. 8, 2024
ISBN: 9780063140585
Page Count: 192
Publisher: Harper/HarperCollins
Review Posted Online: July 4, 2024
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 2024
An apt choice for collections that already have stronger alternatives, such as R.J. Palacio's Wonder (2012).
A memoir of the first 14 years in the life of Australian Robert Hoge, born with stunted legs and a tumor in the middle of his face.
In 1972, Robert is born, the youngest of five children, with fishlike eyes on the sides of his face, a massive lump in place of his nose, and malformed legs. As baby Robert is otherwise healthy, the doctors convince his parents to approve the first of many surgeries to reduce his facial difference. One leg is also amputated, and Robert comes home to his everyday white, working-class family. There's no particular theme to the tale of Robert's next decade and a half: he experiences school and teasing, attempts to participate in sports, and is shot down by a girl. Vignette-driven choppiness and the lack of an overarching narrative would make the likeliest audience be those who seek disability stories. However, young Robert's ongoing quest to identify as "normal"—a quest that remains unchanged until a sudden turnaround on the penultimate page—risks alienating readers comfortable with their disabilities. Brief lyrical moments ("as compulsory as soggy tomato sandwiches at snack time") appeal but are overwhelmed by the dry, distant prose dominating this autobiography.
An apt choice for collections that already have stronger alternatives, such as R.J. Palacio's Wonder (2012). (Memoir. 8-12)Pub Date: Sept. 6, 2016
ISBN: 978-0-425-28775-0
Page Count: 208
Publisher: Viking
Review Posted Online: May 17, 2016
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 1, 2016
An impeccably researched and told biography of Leonard Bernstein’s musical apprenticeship, from toddlerhood to his conducting debut with the New York Philharmonic at age 25. Rubin traces Lenny’s education, musical influences and enduring friendships. Lenny reveled in mounting elaborate musical productions in Sharon, Mass., his family’s summer community. As a student, he augmented support from his family by giving lessons, accompanying singers, transcribing music and more; the narrative sparkles with details that match its subject’s energy and verve. Especially crystalline are the links drawn between father Sam’s decades-long dismissal of his son’s musical gifts and the consequential importance of mentors and supportive teachers in the young man’s life. In exploring Lenny’s devout Jewish roots and coming of age during the persecution of Jews in Europe, the author reveals how dramatically Bernstein altered the landscape for conductors on the American scene. In an epilogue sketching Bernstein’s later life, she briefly mentions his bisexuality, marriage and children. Drawn from interviews, family memoirs and other print resources, quotations are well-integrated and assiduously attributed. Photos, concert programs, early doodles and letters, excerpts from musical scores and other primary documentation enhance the text. Excellent bookmaking—from type to trim size—complements a remarkable celebration of a uniquely American musical genius. (chronology, biographical sketches, author’s note, discography, bibliography, quotation sources, index) (Biography. 9-12)
Pub Date: Feb. 1, 2011
ISBN: 978-1-58089-344-2
Page Count: 192
Publisher: Charlesbridge
Review Posted Online: Jan. 8, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 15, 2011
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