
Reach for this book when your child is grappling with the pressure of perfectionism or feels that their worth is tied solely to their performance. Lidi is a master magician who can do almost anything, yet she is consumed by the one trick she cannot master: the legendary rope trick. Her journey is not just a search for a mentor, but a discovery that true magic lies in the connections we make with others and the wisdom we gain through failure. It is a sophisticated, beautifully written fantasy that balances adventure with deep emotional resonance for middle grade readers. Parents will appreciate how it gently shifts the focus from achieving a goal to finding joy in the companionship and unpredictability of life.
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Sign in to write a reviewThe book deals with themes of loss and the search for belonging in a metaphorical, folkloric way. While there is mild peril and the threat of an outlaw's past catching up to him, the resolution is emotionally hopeful and grounded in secular wisdom.
A 10-year-old who is the 'star' of their class or hobby but suffers from high anxiety about making mistakes. This child needs to see that being 'the best' is secondary to being a good friend.
Read the ending carefully: the 'rope trick' is not what it seems. It is a philosophical payoff rather than a pyrotechnic one, which may require a brief chat to ensure the child grasps the beauty of the metaphor. A parent might notice their child becoming distraught over a B grade or a missed goal in sports, expressing that they are 'nothing' if they aren't perfect.
Younger readers (8-9) will enjoy the whimsical troupe and the 'quest' aspect. Older readers (11-12) will better appreciate Alexander's sophisticated prose and the existential weight of Lidi’s growth.
Unlike many magic-school fantasies, this is a 'road' novel that treats magic as both a stage craft and a spiritual mystery, emphasizing the human element over world-building mechanics.
Lidi is a talented but perfectionistic magician searching for the elusive Master Ferramondo to learn the legendary 'rope trick.' Along her journey through a pseudo-historical Italian setting, she assembles a ragtag family: Daniella, a girl with genuine psychic visions; a roguish outlaw; and a circus master with performing pigs. As they evade danger and navigate the theatrical world, Lidi realizes that the 'rope trick' may not be the mechanical feat she imagined, but a metaphor for life and connection.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.