Magical Mayhem
A Mini-Bibliography for Children in Middle Grades
To order any of these titles, contact the library by email, mail or phone. You may also request these titles online through our OPAC. Happy Reading!
Cassette Books
Afternoon of the Elves by Janet Taylor Lisle.
RC 31277.
Nine-year-old Hillary lives in a nice, comfortable house with her parents. In the shabby house behind lives tough, independent Sara-Kate. Her father's gone, her sick mother hides, she dresses like an urchin, and is despised and teased at school. However, Hillary stumbles on Sara-Kate's secret; she tends a tiny village in her weed-filled backyard—a village where she says elves live. For grades 4-7.
Andrew and the Alchemist by Barbara Ninde Byfield.
RC 12829.
A cold and hungry eleven-year-old orphan who apprentices himself to an alchemist doesn't realize that he is signing on for a life of magic, mystery, and adventure. For grades 4-7.
Beast under the Wizard’s Bridge by John Bellairs.
RC 58247.
Lewis Barnavelt tries to avert disaster when the destruction of an old bridge threatens to release a diabolical force, the legacy of a long-dead evil magician. For grades 5-8.
Bed-knob and Broomstick by Mary Norton.
RC 42845.
The three Wilson children are delighted to discover Miss Price, a lonely spinster and student witch who rides a broomstick, though somewhat uncertainly. In exchange for the children's keeping quiet about her witch activities, Miss Price casts a spell that creates a magical flying bed. A combined edition of "The Magic Bed-Knob" and "Bonfires and Broomsticks." For grades 3-6.
The Book of Wishes and Wishmaking by Duncan Emrich.
BR 1720.
A collection of many wishmaking formulas from all around the world. For grades 3-6.
The Box of Delights: When the Wolves Were Running by John Masefield.
RC 17451.
A strange old man with a Punch and Judy show gives a boy a magic box that takes him back in time to the days of King Arthur and beyond. A mysterious adventure for grades 4-7 and older readers.
Charmed Life by Diana Wynne Jones.
RC 14555.
Being the brother of a witch becomes increasingly dangerous for Cat as his sister, rebelling against their mysterious guardian, seeks forbidden powers. For grades 4-7.
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang by Ian Fleming.
RC 26681.
Relates the adventures of the Pott family—twins Jeremy and Jemima, their inventor father, and their mother, Mimsie—in their magical car that not only drives but flies and sails. They set out for a quiet picnic by the English Channel but end up in Paris pursuing a gang of criminals. For grades 4-7.
Devil’s Donkey by Bill Brittain.
RC 19708.
Dan'l Pitt doesn't believe in magic until he comes up against a furious witch who works her most evil spell on him. A hair-raising tale for grades 3-6.
Eating Ice Cream with a Werewolf by Phyllis Green.
RC 21777.
A wacky babysitter and her book of magic spells keep Brad and his little sister guessing the entire week their parents are away on a trip. For grades 4-7 and older readers.
Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine.
RC 46186.
Ella was cursed at birth by a fairy—who thought she was bestowing a gift—to always be obedient. After her mother dies, Ella is at the mercy of two bossy girls and their mother. The enchantment even puts her love for Prince Charmont at risk, and Ella is determined to get rid of it. For grades 3-6.
The Emperor’s Panda by David Day.
RC 30487.
In the mythic Celestial Empire of the China of long ago, Kung, a poor shepherd boy, sets out to find his uncle, who has been kidnapped. The boy battles evil wizards to save the world with the help of Master Panda, who gives Kung a magical ring that makes the wearer invisible. Kung manages to rescue his uncle, save Panda from the evil wizards, and wed a beautiful princess. For grades 3-6.
The Fairy Rebel by Lynne Banks Reid.
RC 30333.
When Tiki, a fairy, is "earthed" on Jan's foot, both are terrified, but then soon become friends. Tiki learns that Jan is sad because she and her husband can't have children, so Tiki performs a bit of forbidden magic. Already in trouble forbreaking the Fairy Queen's rule against wearing jeans, Tiki incurs the full wrath of the Fairy Queen, who also seeks to exact her revenge on Jan's family. For grades 3-6.
Fire Arrow by Edith Pattou.
RC 47823.
Brie, the young archer who accompanied Collun to rescue his sister in Hero's Song (RC 47822), takes her own journey to avenge her father's murder. Her nurse's last words lead Brie to a magic arrow and other omens and thence to Dungal, where danger awaits. For grades 5-8.
Five Children and It by Edith Nesbit.
RC 26666.
Five children in Edwardian England find a remarkable sand fairy who grants all wishes. Unfortunately, getting their wishes fails to being satisfaction. Grades 3-6.
The Goblin Wood by Hilari Bell.
RC 57268.
A young Hedgewitch, an idealistic knight, and an army of clever goblins fight against the ruling hierarchy that is trying to rid the land of all magical creatures. For grades 6-9.
Half Magic by Edward Eager.
RC 10135.
Jane finds a ancient magic coin that grants half of any wish. Humorous fantasy for grades 4-7.
Hero’s Song by Edith Pattou.
RC 47822.
In the kingdom of Eirren, Collun prefers gardening to fighting wars. Yet when his sister is kidnapped, Collun leaves to rescue her. On his quest he encounters a wizard, learns his true parentage, and confronts the loathsome Firewurme. Prequel to Fire Arrow (RC 47823). For grades 5-8.
Howl’s Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones.
RC 25892.
As the eldest of three daughters, Sophie Hatter knows that—according to fairy-tale convention--she's expected to fail first and worst when she sets out to seek her fortune. When the Ingarian countryside is threatened by both the moving castle of Wizard Howl and the schemes of the Witch of the Waste, Sophie finds a kind of courage and determination she's never known before. A magical fantasy for grades 6-9.
Inkheart by Cornelia Caroline Funke.
RC 57116.
Twelve-year-old Meggie lives with her father, Mo, a bookbinder. She discovers a terrible secret: nine years ago when Mo read aloud from a book the characters appeared in real life while her mother disappeared into the story. Mo's magic causes still more problems to solve. For grades 5-8 and older readers.
Jennifer, Hecate, Macbeth, William McKinley, and Me, Elizabeth by E.L. Konigsburg.
RC 44792.
On Halloween night, Elizabeth, a lonely new student at William McKinley Elementary School, meets Jennifer, who claims to be a master witch. The two girls become friends, practice chants and spells, but have a falling-out when Jennifer wants to put their pet toad in a potion. For grades 4-7.
The Little Leftover Witch by Florence Laughlin.
RC 30565.
A little witch named Felina visits the Doon family and almost devastates their household with her witchy ways until the Doons work magicon her. For grades 3-6.
Little Witch by Anna Elizabeth Bennett.
RC 27783.
Minikin Snickasnee can ride on a broom and brew magic spells, and doesn't ever have to go to school because she is a witch's daughter. But she is very unhappy because she wants to be just an ordinary child. For grades 3-6.
Magic by the Lake by Edward Eager.
RC 9699.
When four children find a whole lake full of magic, they must learn how to tame and handle it, and how to find the treasure that waits at the end. Humorous fantasy for grades 4-7.
The Magic Hat of Mortimer Wintergreen by Myron Levoy.
RC 30286.
Poor Joshua and Amy Baines! Their parents are accidentally killed by cavalrymen, and now they must live with their evil Aunt Vootch, who delights in punishing them. But on the day they receive their most terrible punishment, they manage to run off with the amazing magician, Mortimer Q. Wintergreen, who owes his fame to his magical hat. The hat can provide whatever is needed, if it's in the mood. For grades 4-7.
Magic or Not? by Edward Eager.
RC 9809.
Laura and her brother find an old well and when Laura's first wish seems to be granted magically, they are pretty sure they have found a magic wishing well. For grades 4-7.
The Magic Orange Tree, and Other Haitian Folk Tales by Diane Wolkstein.
RC 12963.
Twenty-seven spirited tales in which magic becomes real. An orange tree grows at the command of a mistreated child, a bone sings, and animals become human before changing to animals again. For grades 5-8 and older interested readers.
Magic Tricks by J.D. Miller.
RC 10697.
Directions for performing simple magic tricks using everyday objects such as soda pop cans, newspapers, and coins. For grades 4-7.
The Magical Worlds of Harry Potter by David Colbert.
RC 55378.
Examines the link between the Harry Potter books' images, characters, and themes and their roots in myths and folklore—decoding Rowling's clues to reveal hidden meanings. Discusses magic spells, supernatural beasts, the origin of names, and facts about wizards. For grades 4-7.
The Magician’s Apprentice by Tom McGowen.
RC 31655.
When Tigg, a twelve-year-old pickpocket, is caught searching magician Armindor's house, the magician takes him on as an apprentice. Armindor proposes a journey to the Wild Lands and Tigg agrees to come along. On the way Tigg rescues Reepah, a furry creature, who warns them that they are being followed by the evil "Isst." Armindor ignores the warning until it is nearly too late. For grades 5-8.
The Magician’s Company by Tom McGowen.
RC 31609.
The magician Armindor, Tigg, his apprentice, and puppeteer Jilla are in the city of Inbal. They are still carrying the mysterious ancient objects from the Age of Magic. Armindor plans to ask his fellow magicians to help him discover the purposes of the objects. They are also carrying a warning that reen, intelligent ratlike creatures, plan to destroy all humans. Sequel to The Magician's Apprentice. For grades 5-8.
Not What You Expected by Joan Aiken.
RC 10116.
Twenty-one short stories in which magic, merriment, and suspense create another world where anything is possible. A telephone puts a girl in touch with an ancient king, a dragon keeps a museum, and the devil conducts a pop music group. For grades 6-9.
The Rebel Witch by Jack Lovejoy.
RC 16109.
A spunky young apprentice witch rebels against an evil necromancer whose diabolical aim is to restore the reign of darkness on Earth. A story of magic, humor, and excitement for grades 4-7.
Red Hart Magic by Andre Morton.
RC 12262.
A time-warp fantasy in which an exquisite miniature of an old inn carries Chris and his new stepsister back to the time of King James in England, where they test their courage against danger. For grades 5-8.
The Rope Trick by Lloyd Alexander.
RC 56361.
Motivated by her quest to learn a legendary rope trick, the magician Princess Lidi and her troupe embark on a journey through Renaissance Italy that intertwines adventure, love, and mystery. For grades 4-7.
Seven-Day Magic by Edward Eager.
RC 10136.
Five children find what looks like an ordinary, shabby book, but they soon discover they can create their own incredible magic by wishing with the book. For grades 4-7.
Shadows and Moonshine by Joan Aiken.
RC 57152.
Thirteen of the author's favorite stories, many involving witches or wolves. In "John Sculpin and the Witches," young John lives among so many witches that he cannot outsmart all of them. In "Cat's Cradle," a sailor is tricked into marriage but rescued by a mermaid. For grades 5-8.
The Sorcerer’s Companion by Allan Zola Kronzek.
RC 53869.
Guide to everything magical in the first four Harry Potter books. Presents the folklore, mythology, and history behind objects, spells, and creatures in Harry's world. Discusses arithmancy—one of Hermione's favorite subjects—the hippogriff, the invisibility cloak, runes, and the unicorn, among other items. For grades 4-7.
Sprout and the Magician by Jenifer Wayne.
RC 14377.
Sprout sets out to uncover the truth when his little sister's birthday rabbit disappears and all evidence points to the magician who performed at her birthday party. A humorous adventure for grades 3-6.
The Stones of Greene Knowe by L.M. Boston.
RC 10462.
A twelfth-century boy watching the construction of Green Knowe, his family's new stone mansion, discovers two ancient magic stones that carry him into the future, where he meets other children who later live in Green Knowe. For grades 4-7.
Summer Reading Is Killing Me by Jon Scieszka.
RC 47435.
Summer vacation is supposed to mean no more reading. But Fred, Sam, and Joe all have to read four books during the summer. Unfortunately Joe has put their reading list inside The Book his uncle gave him for his birthday. Opening it means trouble. Suddenly the boys finds themselves in a world gone "terribly, mixed-uply, summer-reading-listly wrong." For grades 3-6.
Time Cat by Lloyd Alexander.
RC 36142.
Gareth is a black cat with special powers who takes his friend Jason to nine different places in history, including Egypt in 2700 B.C. For grades 4-7.
Tom’s Midnight Garden by Philippa Pearce.
RC 27914.
When Tom is banished to his aunt and uncle’s for the summer holidays, due to this brother’s measles, he is angry. But Tom is pleased to discover the Midnight Garden where the clock strikes 13 and the seasons change from day to day. For grades 5-8.
The Tower at the End of the World by Brad Strickland.
RC 57295.
Lewis and Rose Rita battle Ishmael Izard, the son of the evil magician who tried to destroy the world with the Doomsday Clock. For grades 5-8.
Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbit.
RC 50587.
The Tuck family is confronted with an agonizing situation when they discover that a ten-year-old girl and a malicious stranger now share their secret about a spring whose water prevents one from ever growing any older. For grades 4-7.
Twelve Impossible Things Before Breakfast by Jane Yolen.
RC 45662.
A collection of twelve fantasy stories. Some are modern versions of well-known tales: "Tough Alice" is a variation on Alice in Wonderland, "The Bridge's Complaint" comes from The Three Billygoats Gruff, and "Lost Girls" is based on Peter Pan. Others include characters from a fairy to a sea monster to aliens. For grades 5-8.
The Wee Free Men by Terry Pratchett.
RC 56709.
A young witch-to-be named Tiffany teams up with the Wee Free Men, a clan of six-inch-high blue men, to rescue her baby brother and ward off a sinister invasion from Fairyland. For grades 6-9.
The Well-Wishers by Edward Eager.
RC 9812.
Just when the children think the magic in the old well is all played out, the most unexpected things happen, beginning with the strange appearance of a witchlike old woman. For grades 4-7.
Which Witch? by Eva Ibbotson.
RC 49756.
Weary of being a wizard, Arriman has been waiting hopefully for his replacement to arrive. He finally resigns himself to marrying a witch who can give him a successor. Beautiful Belladonna wishes to become his bride, but she must first turn her white magic black. For grades 5-8.
The White Witch of Kynance by Mary Calhoun.
RC 24469.
Jennet, a poor girl who lives in superstition-haunted sixteenth-century Cornwall, is determined to master white magic so she can overcome the powerful witches of evil. For grades 5-8.
Who Has the Lucky Duck in Class 4-B? by Maggie Twohill.
RC 22759.
Six of Victoria's classmates eventually become the fortunate owners of the lucky charm she loses. The charm makes wishes come true for its deserving owners and withholds its power from the others. For grades 4-7.
Wise Child by Monica Furlong.
RC 29536.
Juniper, a kind and loving sorceress shunned by the inhabitants of a remote Scottish village, agrees to take nine-year-old Wise Child into her home. The precocious Wise Child has been abandoned by her mother, an evil sorceress. With Juniper, Wise Child learns about the healing arts, magic, and superstition. When her mother returns and seeks to claim her, Wise Child also learns about love and loyalty. For grades 6-9.
The Wish by Gail Carson Levine.
RC 53085.
When eighth grader Wilma is granted one wish by a mysterious old lady on the subway, she asks to be the most popular kid in her school. School only lasts for another three weeks, so the spell soon wears off—but Wilma comes to understand the true meaning of friendship. For grades 5-8.
The Wish Giver by Bill Brittain.
RC 21758.
When a peculiar little man appears at the Coven Tree Church social, promising to give people exactly what they ask for, three young believers-in-magic make wishes that come disastrously true. For grades 4-7.
The Witches of Worm by Zilpha Keatley Snyder.
RC 41124.
Twelve-year-old Jessica is angry that her mother goes out all the time and that her two best friends have left her for other people. Sulking in her secret cave with a book on witchcraft, Jessica finds a tiny newborn kitten. Her cat-loving neighbor tells Jessica how to care for the kitten, but Jessica hates cats, and this one looks like a worm. Then she begins getting messages from Worm, who says he's a witch's cat. For grades 5-8.
Braille Books
Andrew and the Alchemist by Barbara Ninde Byfield.
BR 3755.
A cold and hungry eleven-year-old orphan who apprentices himself to an alchemist doesn't realize that he is signing on for a life of magic,mystery, and adventure. For grades 4-7.
Attack of the Monster Plants by Susan Saunders.
BR 7814.
You and your sister plant gardens every spring. You are tired of your sister's garden doing better than yours, so you succumb to a strange old man selling magic fertilizer. Now your plants are going bananas! You could be crushed by a huge tomato, or tied up by a crazy vine. You choose your fate in this "Choose Your Own Adventure" book. For grades 3-6.
Bed-knob and Broomstick by Mary Norton.
BR 1018.
The three Wilson children are thrilled to discover Miss Price, a lonely spinster studying to become a witch. Since poor Miss Price never completes the witch course, she can work only a limited amount of magic, and the bewitching situation results in abundant confusion. For grades 4-6.
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang by Ian Fleming.
BR 15513.
Relates the adventures of the Pott family—twins Jeremy and Jemima, their inventor father, and their mother, Mimsie—in their magical car that not only drives but flies and sails. They set out for a quiet picnic by the English Channel but end up in Paris pursuing a gang of criminals. For grades 4-7.
The Day the Rabbi Disappeared by Howard Schwartz.
BR 13525.
A noted folklorist presents twelve Jewish tales from around the world. Each combines elements of magic with a link to a Jewish holiday; includes Rosh Hodesh, which celebrates the appearance of the new moon, and the Sabbath, a day of joy and rest. For grades 3-6.
Devil’s Donkey by Bill Brittain.
BR 5172.
Dan'l Pitt doesn't believe in magic until he comes up against a furious witch who works her most evil spell on him. A hair-raising tale for grades 3-6.
Do-it-yourself Magic by Ruth Chew.
BR 8169.
Rachel and her brother Scott find a "Build-Anything Kit" in a discount store. Amid the box full of odds and ends is a double-headed hammer marked "Sizer," which enables them to make objects larger of smaller. When the children spy a burglar about to steal their TV set, they zap him with the gadget. He escapes and runs into a toy castle, and the children promptly make themselves small enough to follow him. For grades 3-6.
Eating Ice Cream with a Werewolf by Phyllis Green.
BR 5827.
A wacky babysitter and her book of magic spells keep Brad and his little sister guessing the entire week their parents are away on a trip. For grades 4-7 and older readers.
Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine.
BR 50727.
Ella was cursed at birth by a fairy—who thought she was bestowing a gift—to always be obedient. After her mother dies, Ella is at the mercy of two bossy girls and their mother. The enchantment even puts her love for Prince Charmont at risk, and Ella is determined to get rid of it. For grades 3-6.
The Fairy Rebel by Lynne Banks Reid.
BR 7890.
When Tiki, a fairy, is "earthed" on Jan's foot, both are terrified, but then soon become friends. Tiki learns that Jan is sad because she and her husband can't have children, so Tiki performs a bit of forbidden magic. Already in trouble forbreaking the Fairy Queen's rule against wearing jeans, Tiki incurs the full wrath of the Fairy Queen, who also seeks to exact her revenge on Jan's family. For grades 3-6.
The Falconmaster by R.L. La Fevers.
BR 15726.
Ten-year-old Wat is rejected by his Norman England village because he has a misshapen foot and only one eye. When he rescues two baby falcons stolen by Lord Sherborne's wicked men, he meets a forest hermit who shelters him and teaches him magic. For grades 4-7. This book is still in production, but you can reserve it by calling the library.
Here There Be Witches by Jane Yolen.
BR 11084.
Collection of seven poems and ten stories about witches, wizards, and warlocks. In the poem "The Magic House," Hansel and Gretel knew they should have taken a hint from "chocolate doorknobs, / and windowpanes striped with mint." Also includes a Native American tale. For grades 4-7 and older readers.
Inkheart by Cornelia Caroline Funke.
BR 14997.
Twelve-year-old Meggie lives with her father, Mo, a bookbinder. She discovers a terrible secret: nine years ago when Mo read aloud from a book the characters appeared in real life while her mother disappeared into the story. Mo's magic causes still more problems to solve. For grades 5-8 and older readers.
Jennifer, Hecate, Macbeth, William McKinley, and Me, Elizabeth by E.L. Konigsburg.
BR 50901.
On Halloween night, Elizabeth, a lonely new student at William McKinley Elementary School, meets Jennifer, who claims to be a master witch. The two girls become friends, practice chants and spells, but have a falling-out when Jennifer wants to put their pet toad in a potion. For grades 4-7.
The Magical Worlds of Harry Potter by David Colbert.
BR 14468.
Examines the link between the Harry Potter books' images, characters, and themes and their roots in myths and folklore—decoding Rowling's clues to reveal hidden meanings. Discusses magic spells, supernatural beasts, the origin of names, and facts about wizards. For grades 4-7.
The Magician’s Apprentice by Tom McGowen.
BR 8046.
When Tigg, a twelve-year-old pickpocket, is caught searching magician Armindor's house, the magician takes him on as an apprentice. Armindor proposes a journey to the Wild Lands and Tigg agrees to come along. On the way Tigg rescues Reepah, a furry creature, who warns them that they are being followed by the evil "Isst." Armindor ignores the warning until it is nearly too late. For grades 5-8.
The Magician’s Company by Tom McGowen.
BR 8275.
The magician Armindor, Tigg, his apprentice, and puppeteer Jilla are in the city of Inbal. They are still carrying the mysterious ancient objects from the Age of Magic. Armindor plans to ask his fellow magicians to help him discover the purposes of the objects. They are also carrying a warning that reen, intelligent ratlike creatures, plan to destroy all humans. Sequel to "The Magician's Apprentice." For grades 5-8.
Merlin’s Kin by Josepha Sherman.
BR 13116.
A collection of thirty international folktales, featuring both the traditional magician, whose power comes from books or spells, and the shaman, who is a priest and healer as well as a wizard. The stories come from the British Isles, Europe, Russia, the Far East, Native American nations, and Africa. For grades 5-8.
Schemers, Dreamers, and Medicine Men: Witchcraft and Magic among Primitive People by Gordon Cortis Baldwin.
BR 1658.
An introduction to the religion and magic of various primitive people, and an examination of the magic and witchcraft of more technological societies which explains the relationships between our own superstitions and those of more primitive believers. For grades 6-9.
The Shades by Betty Brock.
BR 2056.
Through the magic of the dolphin fountain in the walled garden, Hollis meets the Shade family, who are shadows of people from the past. When an evil force threatens to enslave the Shades, it is Hollis who must find a way to save them. For grades 3-6.
Smoke from Cromwell’s Time by Joan Aiken.
BR 1526.
Fourteen short stories of magicand witchcraft combining humor, nonsense, unexpected magic, and mystery. The princess of one droll tale is turned into a pig, but her family insists that she go to finishing school anyway. For grades 4-7.
The Sorcerer’s Companion by Allan Zola Kronzek.
BR 14053.
Guide to everything magical in the first four Harry Potter books. Presents the folklore, mythology, and history behind objects, spells, and creatures in Harry's world. Discusses arithmancy—one of Hermione's favorite subjects—the hippogriff, the invisibility cloak, runes, and the unicorn, among other items. For grades 4-7.
Taliesin by Robert Nye.
BR 946.
The story of a peasant boy, the reincarnation of a Welsh God. He drinks three drops of inspiration and science from a witch's cauldron and is thrust into fantastic adventures with witches and magic. For grades 4-7.
Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbit.
BR 13834 or BR 7774.
The Tuck family is confronted with an agonizing situation when they discover that a ten-year-old girl and a malicious stranger now share their secret about a spring whose water prevents one from ever growing any older. For grades 4-7.
Well Wished by Franny Billingsley.
BR 11579.
Eleven-year-old Nuria is happy to go to live with her grandfather even though no other children live in his village. There is a wishing well nearby, but it causes problems for people who use its magic. Grandfather Avy's wish for a friend for Nuria succeeds in bringing Catty to town, but wheelchair-bound Catty is not always nice to Nuria. For grades 4-7.
The Wish Giver by Bill Brittain.
BR 9967.
When a peculiar little man appears at the Coven Tree Church social, promising to give people exactly what they ask for, three young believers-in-magic make wishes that come disastrously true. Sequel to Devil'sDonkey (BR 5172). For grades 4-7.
Wizard at Work by Vivian Vande Velde.
BR 15572.
A young wizard who runs a school looks forward to a quiet summer off, but instead he is drawn into several adventures. He helps a village full of delinquent unicorns, rescues an uncooperative damsel, and finds a husband for a princess. For grades 3-6.
Large Print Books
Afternoon of the Elves by Janet Taylor Lisle.
LP 1469.
Nine-year-old Hillary lives in a nice, comfortable house with her parents. In the shabby house behind lives tough, independent Sara-Kate. Her father's gone, her sick mother hides, she dresses like an urchin, and is despised and teased at school. However, Hillary stumbles on Sara-Kate's secret; she tends a tiny village in her weed-filled backyard--a village where she says elves live. For grades 4-7.
Bed-knob and Broomstick by Mary Norton.
LP 414.
The three Wilson children are thrilled to discover Miss Price, a lonely spinster studying to become a witch. Since poor Miss Price never completes the witch course, she can work only a limited amount of magic, and the bewitching situation results in abundant confusion. For grades 4-6.
Charmed Life by Diana Wynne Jones.
LP 10 or LP 886.
Being the brother of a witch becomes increasingly dangerous for Cat as his sister, rebelling against their mysterious guardian, seeks forbidden powers. For grades 4-7.
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang by Ian Fleming.
LP 50027.
Relates the adventures of the Pott family—twins Jeremy and Jemima, their inventor father, and their mother, Mimsie—in their magical car that not only drives but flies and sails. They set out for a quiet picnic by the English Channel but end up in Paris pursuing a gang of criminals. For grades 4-7.
Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine.
LP 247 or LP 50086.
Ella was cursed at birth by a fairy—who thought she was bestowing a gift—to always be obedient. After her mother dies, Ella is at the mercy of two bossy girls and their mother. The enchantment even puts her love for Prince Charmont at risk, and Ella is determined to get rid of it. For grades 3-6.
Five Children and It by Edith Nesbit.
LP 22.
Five children in Edwardian England find a remarkable sand fairy who grants all wishes. Unfortunately, getting their wishes fails to being satisfaction. For grades 3-6.
Jennifer, Hecate, Macbeth, William McKinley, and Me, Elizabeth by E.L. Konigsburg.
LP 387.
On Halloween night, Elizabeth, a lonely new student at William McKinley Elementary School, meets Jennifer, who claims to be a master witch. The two girls become friends, practice chants and spells, but have a falling-out when Jennifer wants to put their pet toad in a potion. For grades 4-7.
Time Cat by Lloyd Alexander.
LP 1331.
Gareth is a black cat with special powers who takes his friend Jason to nine different places in history, including Egypt in 2700 B.C. For grades 4-7.
Tom’s Midnight Garden by Philippa Pearce.
LP 73.
When Tom is banished to his aunt and uncle’s for the summer holidays, due to this brother’s measles, he is angry. But Tom is pleased to discover the Midnight Garden where the clock strikes 13 and the seasons change from day to day. For grades 4-7.
Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbit.
LP 1328 or LP 50008.
The Tuck family is confronted with an agonizing situation when they discover that a ten-year-old girl and a malicious stranger now share their secret about a spring whose water prevents one from ever growing any older. For grades 4-7.
Well Wished by Franny Billingsley.
LP 840.
Eleven-year-old Nuria is happy to go to live with her grandfather even though no other children live in his village. There is a wishing well nearby, but it causes problems for people who use its magic. Grandfather Avy's wish for a friend for Nuria succeeds in bringing Catty to town, but wheelchair-bound Catty is not always nice to Nuria. For grades 4-7.
Which Witch? by Eva Ibbotson.
LP 807.
Weary of being a wizard, Arriman has been waiting hopefully for his replacement to arrive. He finally resigns himself to marrying a witch who can give him a successor. Beautiful Belladonna wishes to become his bride, but she must first turn her white magic black. For grades 5-8.
The Witches of Worm by Zilpha Keatley Snyder.
LP 1473.
Twelve-year-old Jessica is angry that her mother goes out all the time and that her two best friends have left her for other people. Sulking in her secret cave with a book on witchcraft, Jessica finds a tiny newborn kitten. Her cat-loving neighbor tells Jessica how to care for the kitten, but Jessica hates cats, and this one looks like a worm. Then she begins getting messages from Worm, who says he's a witch's cat. For grades 5-8.