The Art of Magic

A Novel

  • Interest Level: Grade 4 - Grade 7
  • Reading Level: Grade 5

A pack of paints, a set of pens, and unlimited creativity throw two friends into an enchanted, fast-paced adventure.

ZuZu’s first summer without her best friend is looking pretty grim, until she meets new kid Andrew at a visit to the historic Mapleton Mansion. Together they stumble upon some enchanted art supplies and discover that the shapes they draw and paint can come to life. Their creations are harmless—but ZuZu and Andrew aren’t the only ones with access to magic.

Soon, nightmarish half-machine, half-living creatures begin appearing around town, controlled by a power-hungry “caster” with a sinister mission. It’s up to ZuZu and Andrew to use their newfound abilities to protect their community.

“There are deliciously chilling descriptions of scuttling, otherworldly creations and resurrections gone awry, but there is also delight to be found in enchanted artwork and blossoming friendships. A thrilling introduction to a newfangled magic.”—Booklist

“A satisfying, compelling adventure with an original magical construct and bright, appealing protagonists.”—Kirkus Reviews

“The magical rules created by Voskuil feel exciting . . . . This creative fantasy will move well with fans of Tae Keller’s When You Trap a Tiger.”School Library Journal

Format Your Price Add
978-1-7284-1567-3
$13.49
978-1-7284-5119-0
$22.99
Available at all major wholesalers and distributors. Save 25% when you buy direct!
Interest Level Grade 4 - Grade 7
Reading Level Grade 5
Category Diverse Books: Mental Health & Neurodiversity, Diversity, SEL: B Self-Management, SEL: D Relationship Skills, SEL: E Responsible Decision-Making, Social Emotional Learning
Copyright 2022
Publisher Lerner Publishing Group
Imprint Carolrhoda Books ®
Language English
Number of Pages 328
Publication Date 2022-05-03
Text Type Fiction—Science Fiction/Fantasy
BISACS JUV037000, JUV003000, JUV069000
Dewey [Fic]
Dimensions 5.25 x 7.5
Lexile 770
Guided Reading Level X
Features Author/Illustrator biography, Reviewed, Teaching Guides, and eSource

Author: Hannah Voskuil

Hannah Voskuil received a B.A. from Middlebury College in Vermont and an M.F.A. in Creative Writing from Emerson College in Boston. She is also the author of Horus and the Curse of Everlasting Regret. Her short stories have appeared in anthologies and textbooks around the world. She lives in New England with her husband and two children, in a house with books in virtually every room.

Lerner eSource™ offers free digital teaching and learning resources, including Common Core State Standards (CCSS) teaching guides. These guides, created by classroom teachers, offer short lessons and writing exercises that give students specific instruction and practice using Common Core skills and strategies. Lerner eSource also provides additional resources including online activities, downloadable/printable graphic organizers, and additional educational materials that would also support Common Core instruction. Download, share, pin, print, and save as many of these free resources as you like!

The Art of Magic

A pack of paints, a set of pens, and unlimited creativity throw two friends into an enchanted, fast-paced adventure. ZuZu’s first summer without her best friend is looking pretty grim, until she meets new kid Andrew at a visit to the historic Mapleton… View available downloads →

Looking Back: 5 Years of Incredible Middle-Grade Books

From magic and time travel to stink bugs and monster guts, these books are sure to keep your middle grade readers turning page after page. With so many great new books out there, it’s easy to miss gems, even when they can fill important thematic gaps on your shelves. To that end, here’s… View →

The Art of Magic: An Interview with Author Hannah Voskuil

When ZuZu and Andrew discover a set of enchanted art supplies that allow them to create magical creatures, they find themselves drawn into a supernatural struggle for control of their town. Perfect for imaginative young readers, The Art of Magic: A Novel features a unique magic system… View →

Happy Book Birthday: New Middle-Grade, Graphic Novels, and Nonfiction

By Megan Ciskowski, Associate Publicist Happy Book Birthday to May new releases from Lerner Publishing Group! Middle Grade The Art of Magic: A Novel by Hannah Voskuil When ZuZu and Andrew discover a set of enchanted art supplies that allow them to create magical creatures, they find… View →

Reviews

School Library Connection

“[T]he reader will be drawn into the story though the fast-paced dialog and multiple points of view, all of which will keep them from wanting to put the book down. Students who appreciate stories involving magic will enjoy reading this book.” —School Library Connection

School Library Journal

“The magical rules created by Voskuil feel exciting . . . . This creative fantasy will move well with fans of Tae Keller’s When You Trap a Tiger.”School Library Journal

Jennifer Blecher

“Magical, musical, and mysterious. A delightfully haunting tale.”—Jennifer Blecher, author of Stick with Me

Karen Briner

“[A] complex and magical adventure filled with heart and imagination.”—Karen Briner, author of Snowize & Snitch

Booklist

“There are deliciously chilling descriptions of scuttling, otherworldly creations and resurrections gone awry, but there is also delight to be found in enchanted artwork and blossoming friendships. A thrilling introduction to a newfangled magic.”—Booklist

Kirkus Reviews

“A satisfying, compelling adventure with an original magical construct and bright, appealing protagonists.”—Kirkus Reviews