Black and Blue Magic

Reach for this book when your child feels clumsy, overlooked, or 'stuck' in a body that doesn't seem to do what they want it to do. Harry Houdini Marco is a twelve-year-old boy who feels like a total flop compared to his famous namesake. He is awkward, gangly, and convinced he has no special talents until a mysterious bottle of lotion grants him a pair of invisible wings. This mid-century classic is a perfect bridge for readers transitioning into middle school, exploring the literal and metaphorical desire to rise above one's insecurities. It balances whimsical urban fantasy with the grounded reality of a boy navigating friendship and self-acceptance in San Francisco. It is a gentle, humorous, and deeply affirming read for any child who feels like a work in progress.