Half Magic is a children's fantasy novel written by Edward Eager. It was first published in 1954 and has since become a beloved classic. The story follows four siblings - Jane, Mark, Katharine, and Martha - who stumble upon a magical coin that grants them wishes. However, there is a catch - the wishes only come true halfway. This leads to a series of hilarious and often frustrating adventures as the children try to navigate the half-magic world they have found themselves in. One of the strengths of Half Magic is its charming and relatable characters.
One of the strengths of Half Magic is its charming and relatable characters. The four siblings are well-developed and each has their own unique personality. Jane is the eldest and the leader of the group, Mark is the imaginative and adventurous one, Katharine is practical and level-headed, and Martha is the youngest and often overlooked.
Half magic edward eager
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.
My husband and I listened to the full cast audiobook recording of this book on a car trip years ago, but I believe I slept through some of it and therefore didn’t add it to my Goodreads shelves because I hadn’t read the full story. This time around, I read the book aloud to my three oldest daughters (ages 2, 4, and 6) and enjoyed it much more. My intended audience was really the oldest two girls, and they both loved the idea of the magic coin and its tricky way of granting wishes. Each time we sat down to read, they were curious to know who was going to have a turn with the coin next and how they were going to use it.
For me, the appeal was largely that, despite the magical elements, the story is grounded in reality. I have a hard time diving right into fantasy worlds, so I always appreciate it when an author begins in the real world and slowly introduces magic. I also thought it was a fun way to encourage my kids to think mathematically, and also a great excuse to introduce them to the legend of King Arthur, which figures heavily into one child’s adventure with the coin.
Half Magic will appeal to readers who like old-fashioned family stories, like Elizabeth Enright’s Melendys series or Eleanor Estes’s Moffats books, as well as to those who enjoy stories where magic enters the real world a la The Enchanted Castle by E. Nesbit. I plan to read aloud the sequel, Magic by the Lake, possibly during the upcoming school year.
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Their interactions with each other and the world around them provide much of the humor and heart of the story. Eager's writing style is enchanting and filled with wit. He pays homage to classic children's literature, such as E. Nesbit's The Enchanted Castle, while also adding his own imaginative twists. The dialogue is snappy and humorous, making the book a joy to read for both children and adults. The themes explored in Half Magic are also relevant and thought-provoking. The book touches on the power of imagination, the importance of teamwork, and the value of understanding and accepting oneself. The half-magic aspect of the story serves as a metaphor for the unpredictable and imperfect nature of life, teaching the children (and readers) to appreciate the small victories and unexpected joys along the way. Overall, Half Magic is a delightful and timeless tale that captures the imagination and reminds us of the magic that can be found in everyday life. It is a testament to Edward Eager's talent as a storyteller and continues to captivate readers of all ages..
Reviews for "The Enduring Legacy of Edward Eager's Half Magic"
1. John - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with "Half Magic" by Edward Eager. The plot felt disjointed and rushed, with characters that lacked depth. The story seemed to jump from one event to another without any logical progression. Additionally, I found the dialogue to be unrealistic and forced. Overall, I did not enjoy this book and would not recommend it.
2. Sarah - 3 stars - While "Half Magic" by Edward Eager had an intriguing premise, I found the execution to be lacking. The writing style felt choppy and repetitive, and the characters were not well-developed. The magical elements of the story were interesting, but there was a lack of cohesion throughout the plot. Overall, I felt underwhelmed by this book and it didn't live up to my expectations.
3. Alex - 2 stars - I struggled to connect with "Half Magic" by Edward Eager. The story felt jumbled and the pacing was off. The characters lacked depth and their actions often seemed arbitrary. I also found the dialogue to be cheesy and unrealistic. Unfortunately, this book did not capture my interest and I found it difficult to finish.
4. Emily - 2 stars - "Half Magic" by Edward Eager was a letdown for me. The writing style felt amateurish and the story lacked depth. The plotline was predictable, and the characters were one-dimensional. I didn't feel invested in the magical elements of the story, and overall, it failed to capture my attention and imagination.