The Magic Half

Gr 3–6—Miri sometimes feels left out as the only non-twin in her family, sandwiched between older twin brothers and younger twin sisters. But after her family moves to an old farmhouse, Miri discovers a mysterious piece of glass taped on her bedroom wall. The glass acts as a portal, allowing Miri to travel back to 1935. There, she meets Molly, a girl her own age who could almost be her twin, except for the time difference. Together, the two hatch a plan to return to Miri's time together. But first, they must escape Molly's cruel cousin and heartless aunt. Narrator Cris Dukehart's excellent pacing keeps this story moving forward and will leave listeners at the edge of their seats. Children will easily be able to keep track of what decade it is thanks to Dukehart's distinctive character voicing. Overall, this is a fun adventure—part history, part mystery—and listeners will root for Miri and Molly as they work to align their two stories.—Anne Bozievich, Friendship Elementary School, Glen Rock, PA