The Magic Misfits by Neil Patrick Harris

Rating: Not for me

Reading Level: Middle School

(Note: I listened to the audiobook.) Some families will like how this exciting and entertaining book teaches magic tricks, and tells a heartwarming story of an orphan finding friends and a home. I have a few reasons why this book is not for me, and a few other points that some parents may wish to know:

– The author kept pushing—insisting—that magic is real. To be fair, in the end he backs off to a definition of magic, but it (perhaps intentionally) doesn’t seem that way for most of the book.

– Strong emphasis on luck and fate, rather than on providence.

– The kids visit a fortune teller, whose words guide them throughout. I’m not a big fan of relying on the occult.

– The carnival scene is the setting for most of the story. I find that scene dehumanizing. Plus, carnies being bad guys is a common, overworked stereotype.

– Conservatives on family structure may not like that the main adult role model is a gay man with a husband. I liked that he (both dads, actually) had such a positive, healthy relationship with his daughter.

If none of the above bothers you, then you will find a well-written, exciting adventure story with a refreshingly healthy relationship between dads and daughter. As for me, I just can’t support such heavy emphasis on fate, luck, magic, and the occult—I believe a benevolent God is active in determining our steps, and He rightfully gets the glory for bringing good friends together.