Staff Pick
A sweet chapter book series about everyday enchantment and the magic of friendship, these books are emotionally complex and thought-provoking, but accessible and easy to read. They feature a multiracial and multigenerational Latinx family, with Spanish words interspersed throughout. With chapters that alternate between two relatable and engaging protagonists, they are sure to be a winner with young readers who like realistic stories with a touch of magic thrown in. Recommended By Ariel K., Powells.com
Synopses & Reviews
Synopsis
Meet the best friends at 86 1/2 Twenty-Third Avenue.
DEL loves LOTS of things The Curious Cousins Secondhand Shoppe. Ginormous family dinners. And of course, her best-friend-cousin, Alma.
ALMA loves her abuelita's tasty empanadas. Her old home by the lake. And soon, she'll love living in the same place as her best-friend-cousin, Del.
Yet despite having Del by her side, Alma isn't quite sure she fits in with their family at 86 1/2 Twenty-Third Avenue. It's a new life and it's all so different. When Del finds a special item at a neighbor's stoop sale, she gets so excited by the magic luck it brings--but doesn't see that it's driving the two best friends apart. Will family, friendship, and maybe a little everyday magic be enough to make things right again?
Brimming with adorable illustrations and short, easy-to-read chapters, this is sure to be an instant favorite for fans of Ivy and Bean and Dory Fantasmagory
Synopsis
Brimming with adorable illustrations and short, easy-to-read chapters, this is the first book in the popular Hand-Me-Down Magic series, perfect for fans of Ivy and Bean and Dory Fantasmagory
DEL loves LOTS of things The Curious Cousins Secondhand Shoppe. Ginormous family dinners. And of course, her best-friend-cousin, Alma.
ALMA loves her abuelita's tasty empanadas. Her old home by the lake. And soon, she'll love living in the same place as her best-friend-cousin, Del.
Yet despite having Del by her side, Alma isn't quite sure she fits in with their family at 86 1/2 Twenty-Third Avenue. It's a new life and it's all so different. When Del finds a special item at a neighbor's stoop sale, she gets so excited by the magic luck it brings--but doesn't see that it's driving the two best friends apart. Will family, friendship, and maybe a little everyday magic be enough to make things right again?
Corey Ann Haydu's writing is filled with tender moments, wholesome humor, and magical detail--reminiscent of literary icons like Beverly Clearly, Marla Frazee, and Katherine Applegate. This chapter book series is pitch perfect for kids reading at this young level. And Luisa Uribe's stunning black-and-white illustrations capture the warmth and unique personality of each character.
Enjoy the whole series:
Hand-Me-Down Magic #1: Stoop Sale TreasureHand-Me-Down Magic #2: Crystal Ball FortunesHand-Me-Down Magic #3: Perfect Patchwork PurseHand-Me-Down Magic #4: Mysterious Tea Set