The Magician

Reach for this book when your child is grappling with the 'gifted' label or feeling resentful of a sibling's successes. As the second installment in the Alchemyst series, the story follows twins Sophie and Josh as they flee to Paris with the immortal Nicholas Flamel. While the plot is a fast-paced race against time and ancient enemies, the emotional heart of the book lies in the widening gap between the siblings. Sophie's rapid mastery of magic leaves Josh feeling ordinary and left behind. This is an excellent choice for middle and high schoolers who enjoy historical figures like Machiavelli being reimagined in a high-stakes fantasy setting. It offers a safe space to explore complex feelings of jealousy and the fear of being replaced within a family unit.