Archie Greene and the Magician's Secret

Gr 4–6—A 12-year-old orphaned British boy discovers his magical roots and embarks on a quest to save the world alongside his two trusty companions in the hidden world in England that nonmagical people cannot see. No, not the "boy who lived." In this tale, Archie Greene is an apprentice tasked with the protection of magical books, a family tradition. The books are being sought by the Greeders, who want to keep magic (especially dark magic) for their own purposes, and in steps Archie to save the day. Along the way he reunites with long-lost relatives in the family business and learns more about his father. Archie is a likable hero, and his daffy family is warm and inviting. Comparisons between Everest's debut novel and the "Harry Potter" series are inevitable. Though this is lighthearted, fun, and filled with great tidbits for young book lovers, the characters lack depth and the exposition is at times heavy-handed and repetitive.