Double or Nothing [Paperback]

Marc Talbert (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 9 and up | Grade Level: 4 and up

When Sam's Uncle Frank dies, he leaves his magic tricks to his nine-year-old nephew. This is a book about magic- the kind magicians perform, as well as the magic of believing in dreams, and in oneself.

Also published in Germany.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

This tender and sensitive novel celebrates a boy's devotion, faith and wonder. Although Uncle Frank's death has left Sam with a tremendous sense of loss, grief becomes mingled with excitement when the nine-year-old receives a large collection of magic tricks--the tools of his uncle's trade. Already an amateur magician, Sam prepares a one-man show to commemorate his late uncle's birthday. During his debut, Sam discovers a new kind of magic that is produced by his captive audience. Even though the real star of this novel--Phantasmagoric Frank--is dead when the story begins, his whimsy and wisdom will be felt as his nephew recalls past events. While focusing on Sam's attempts to emulate his idol, Talbert ( Toby ; The Paper Knife ) expresses poetic, keenly perceptive ideas about people and their visions of the world. Ages 8-12.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From School Library Journal

Grade 3-5-- A novel that explores the magical influence of love. When Sam's beloved Uncle Frank dies, Sam inherits the professional magician's boxes of tricks and equipment. Through the boy's reminiscences, readers come to know Frank as an understanding, gentle man who lived by the advice he gave his nephew and set store by the magic of believing. There is potential here for a more probing story, but the single track it follows is somewhat disappointing. Sam decides to perform a magic show in the park on his uncle's birthday as a present to him and spends hours practicing in the park, knowing full well that he is not allowed to go there alone. His parents find out about his show and react predictably, but later his mother tells him that she probably would have done the same thing. Sam and Frank are the characters readers come to know best, but they are both defined solely in terms of their relationship and their love of magic. Sam's mother seems almost too patient and understanding, and his father is basically uninvolved. Although youngsters will enjoy reading about Sam's escapades and his determination, this newest offering does not measure up to Talbert's Dead Birds Singing (1985) and Thin Ice (1986, both Little), both of which are richer in characterization and plot development. --Renee Steinberg, Fieldstone Middle School, Montvale, NJ
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9 and up
  
• Paperback: 136 pages
• Publisher: iUniverse (January 19, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0595150098
• ISBN-13: 978-0595150090
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.5 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.7 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #7,711,974 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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