Common Sense Media Review
By Julian Jones
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Deep, exciting fantasy has some violence.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In A METHOD FOR MAGIC AND MISFORTUNE, twelve-year-old Marcus Pennrider and his little sister, Ariana, are living with their Aunt Donna as a result of their father's abusive behavior. After a sudden discovery of being capable of conjuring magic with his mother's paintbrush, he seeks the help of the neighborhood store clerk, Mr. O, who is a powerful magician known as a Divinator. When he is introduced to this new magical frontier, Marcus feels that he can bring value and goodwill to his community. As his training goes on, a chilling revelation forces him to question Mr. O's harsh methods and intentions. Marcus must decide whether to use his newfound powers to protect his family or continue to engage in a toxic cycle of abuse.
Is It Any Good?
This stellar, thought-provoking novel will thrill young readers from beginning to end. A Method for Magic and Misfortune delves into dark, toxic relationships, the cycle of abuse, overcoming trauma, and the cost of achieving greatness, a contrast to the uplifting and heartfelt Ghanaian-infused celebration of Craig Kofi Farmer's book Kwame Crashes the Underworld, though this story does drive home a hopeful message about making choices to stop cycles of violence. The action-packed battle scenes are immersive, and spell-casting intriguing (and perhaps a bit gross!), as when characters use their sweat, blood, or vomiting to conjure. The author treats the child abuse Marcus experiences sensitively and without graphic descriptions, but still includes a content warning at the beginning for readers who may be sensitive to the topic. Tween readers and adults who are fans of Farmer's previous work and fantasy lovers will enjoy this engaging and heartfelt tale, where sometimes the real magic is in family, healing, and love.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how A Method for Magic and Misfortune is a story about perseverance. How does Marcus get through the abuse he experiences? What could you do, and who could you go to for help, if you're ever in an abusive situation?
Throughout the book, Marcus manages to exert self-control over the violent tendencies in the magic taught by Mr. O. What are some strategies you use to stay in control of your emotions and choices?
Near the end of the book, Mr. O shows humility after revisiting and confronting his abusive mentor, a step towards ending the cycle of abuse. When have you felt humbled, or accepted that you were wrong about something, and how did you manage to grow as a person after that moment?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Fantasy
- Topics : Adventures , Family Stories , Fantasy ( Magic ) , Friendship
- Character Strengths : Humility , Perseverance , Self-control
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Roaring Brook Press
- Publication date : September 9, 2025
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 8 - 12
- Number of pages : 368
- Available on : Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : October 27, 2025
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