Parents' Guide to

The Magic Misfits, The Second Story: Magic Misfits, Book 2

By Darienne Stewart, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 8+

Focus on family, friendship holds wild adventure together.

Book Neil Patrick Harris Adventure 2018
The Magic Misfits, The Second Story: Magic Misfits, Book 2 Poster Image

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What you will—and won't—find in this book.

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age 8+

Based on 1 parent review

CMMMom
CMMMom Adult
March 23, 2020
age 8+

Wonderful book for kids

This will be sure to keep your kid entertained. It's a fun story with great kid characters who are smart and capable. This is the second in the series - read the first one first or some parts of this may be confusing. It's lots of fun!
See all 1 parent review

What's the Story?

THE MAGIC MISFITS: THE SECOND STORY puts the spotlight on Leila, a skilled escape artist who adores her adoptive fathers but has always wondered about who left her at an orphanage as an infant. The mysteries of her past collide with the present when Sandra, a famed psychic and childhood friend of Leila's dad, sweeps into Mineral Wells. Leila hopes this will be a chance to learn more about her dad's past, too. But the cost grows ever higher as Leila, her dad and poppa, and her magical friends are swept up in a mystery involving a long-ago fire, bootlegging tunnels, a rascal monkey, a gang of thugs, and a coveted ledger.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (1):
Kids say (2):

Beneath the magic, mystery, and mayhem, Neil Patrick Harris' second Magic Misfits story is about identity and authenticity, and the unfaltering love and support that bind a strong family together. The Magic Misfits: The Second Story shifts to the viewpoint of Leila, an escape artist. Written by actor and showman Neil Patrick Harris (A Series of Unfortunate Events), the Misfits series delivers strong messages about finding strength and comfort in friendship while unspooling a wild and mysterious adventure.

The plot is patched together to prop up set pieces rather than build a strong story. And the writing is often clunky, with awkward interruptions to showcase magic tricks. But the story shines with a loving message of compassion and loving support for friends and family, through dark times and good. How-tos and secret messages to decode inspire readers to create some magic of their own. Sparkling illustrations by Lissy Marlin (Goldie Blox Rules the School!) add to the charm.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about what makes a family in The Magic Misfits: The Second Story. Why does Leila feel so torn about her birth parents? How are the Magic Misfits and the Emerald Ring like families?

  • Leila and her friends enjoy a fantastical setting in Mr. Vernon's magic shop. Do you have a special place to gather with your friends?

  • Do you like figuring out how magic tricks are done, or do you prefer to just enjoy the show?

Book Details

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