The Broomstick Bike

Gr 4–6—An 11-year-old boy, his grandmother—who may or may not be a witch—and a 50-year-old magical broomstick bike are the key ingredients that make this tale fun and enjoyable. While his parents travel to Slovodnia to regain a family business, ZackMosel must stay with his eccentric grandmother, whom he refers to as "Mag the Hag." When his parents mysteriously disappear, Zack and Mag must work together to find them. Their journey takes them across Europe to Slovodnia on a 1959 Magnificat motorcycle—a vehicle that appears to have a mind of its own! Is Mag a witch? Does the bike have special powers? These are some of the questions that Zack and young readers may ask themselves. While not as exciting as a "Harry Potter" Quidditch match, this story does have its action-packed magical moments. Zack and Mag must escape the Slovodnian border guards, survive a thrilling motorcycle ride over a deep trench, and locate a secret entrance to a castle. Mag has a unique way of speaking, and readers will enjoy this engaging character. Some foreign words and idioms may require fuller background knowledge, but strong readers will be able to discern their meanings.