Module 8 | The Magic Half

PLOT SUMMARY
Young Miri has always felt out of place in her family; her younger twin sisters and older twin brothers make her the odd one out. After her family moves into a new home, Miri discovers an old eyeglass lens taped to the baseboard in her new room. The lens transports Miri to 1935, where she discovers young Molly, a former resident of Miri's room. Miri is determined to help Molly escape from her unloving family and maybe just transport her to the present along the way.

MY IMPRESSIONS
The Magic Half is undeniable fun, an engrossing time travel romp that leaves you rooting for its incredibly likable heroines. The story harbors some darker, almost fairy-tale-esque aspects in the treatment of Molly by her family, which makes Miri's hilarious plan to rid Molly of her terrible cousin Horst especially satisfying. The book expertly adheres to its own logic, which should make it a favorite among young readers, especially those interested in fantasy.

REVIEWS
"The characters and setting are realistic despite the subtle elements of magic and time travel. Barrows conjures up a delightful tale brimming with mystery, magic, and adventure that will surely enchant readers everywhere."
Laura Butler, School Library Journal, Dec. 1, 2008, Vol. 54, No. 12

"Barrows limits the fantasy to the simple but effective time-travel device, using it sparingly as Miri bravely sets about making things right for her new friend ─ and eventually herself. Readers will savor the author's lively observations."
Publishers Weekly, Dec 17, 2007, Vol. 254, No. 50

"This is a handy introduction to time travel for a younger set; the rules are not so complex as to befuddle the reader, but they’re intricate enough to pique interest and challenge precepts, and it’s always a revelatory exercise to look at today’s world through the eyes of someone living over seventy years ago."
Katrina Bromann, The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books, February 2008, Vol. 61, No. 6

USES IN THE LIBRARY
Miri's search for various objects ─ including a necklace and eyeglass lens ─ would make for a fun tie-in with a scavenger hunt, in which kids could locate clues hidden in different books throughout the library to find items related to The Magic Half. The book could also be a part of a display showcasing children's materials related to time travel.

CITATION
Barrows, A. (2007). The magic half. Bloomsbury USA Children's Books: New York.