Parents' Guide to

Magic in the Mix

By Tracy Moore, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 9+

Exciting time-travel sequel has big ideas, mild peril.

Book Annie Barrows Historical Fiction 2014
Magic in the Mix Poster Image

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What's the Story?

Molly and Miri are 11-year-old twins who are just beginning to explore the magic that exists in their Victorian farmhouse. When construction at the house reveals new magical portals for discovery, they decide to go back to 1935 and see what other adventures are in store for them. But each new travel adventure brings up new possibilities for fun and danger and the chance that they could change their own shared history forever.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
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Kids say (1 ):

MAGIC IN THE MIX takes this series about twins with a special gift for time travel to an even more considered, heartfelt place. Here, Miri and Molly return to 1935 to see the mother and father Molly never knew, travel to 1910 and to Virginia during the Civil War, and meet characters from their past at different points in their histories. They're both smart, headstrong, curious characters who inspire readers to think more deeply about their own environments and history. There's a bit of danger and some scenes of mild verbal abuse, but overall, this is a rewarding, clever book about the nature of time, relationships, love, and what it means to shape your own destiny.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about time travel. Do you think time exists the way Molly and Miri theorize it does: like a cake with many layers, happening all at once? What are some of your theories about how time works?

  • If you could go back in time, would you want to have fun or help others? What time would you most like to visit, and why?

  • What are the biggest differences between now and when Molly and Miri lived originally? Which do you like best, and why?

Book Details

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