Half Magic by Edward Eager, with illustrations by N. M. Bodecker, remains a charming classic with whimsical storytelling and endearing characters. While some readers find its mid-20th-century perspectives outdated, others applaud its timeless appeal and imaginative plot. Alice Hoffman's introduction adds valuable context, enriching the reading experience.

Half Magic by Edward Eager, illustrated by N. M. Bodecker, and with an introduction by Alice Hoffman, is perfect for middle-grade readers who enjoy whimsical, nostalgic adventures akin to E. Nesbit's works or C.S. Lewis's The Chronicles of Narnia. Fans of magic, family dynamics, and lighthearted escapades will find it enchanting.

Published in 1954, American author Edward Eager’s novel Half Magic is a classic in children’s fantasy literature. Illustrated by N. M. Bodecker, this novel is the first in a seven-book series dubbed The Tales of Magic. Set in 1920s Toledo, Ohio, Half Magic follows four siblings—Jane, Mark, Katharine, and Martha—who find a magic coin that grants half wishes. Their adventures span another country and a different time, but mostly land them in tricky situations in their own hometown. Told from a third-person omniscient point of view, the narrative highlights the themes of The Paradox of Wishing, The Need for Precise Language and Clear Thinking, and The Value of Rules and Structure. The story includes depictions of antisemitism, racial stereotypes, gender discrimination, and a scene of graphic violence.

Edward Eager

 N. M. Bodecker

Alice Hoffman

Middle grade

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

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Overview

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Half Magic Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-2

Half Magic Chapters 1-2 Summary & Analysis

Chapter 3 Half Magic Chapter 3 Summary & Analysis

Chapter 4 Half Magic Chapter 4 Summary & Analysis

Chapter 5 Half Magic Chapter 5 Summary & Analysis

Chapter 6 Half Magic Chapter 6 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 7-8

Half Magic Chapters 7-8 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

Half Magic Character Analysis

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Themes

Half Magic Themes

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Half Magic Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

Half Magic Important Quotes

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Half Magic Essay Topics

Half Magic

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