Rufus and Magic Run Amok

by Marilyn Levinson

When ten-year-old Rufus discovers that he has magical powers like his mother and grandmother, he learns that being a wizard is not quite what he expected.

Paperback

First published March 1, 2001

Reviews

[Sherry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very fun. I enjoyed reading this with my young nephew.

[LAWonder10 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rufus was a kid who belonged to a family of witches..White witches. He wished he could belong to a regular, "normal" family! He still loved his family, though. Thank goodness he was a boy. Only girls became witches. Day by day strange things begin to happen...very strange. Rufus was tired of being bullied. He determined not to keep being afraid of Big Douggie.
He and his best friend, Billy, hd a lot of fun. Billy had a big secret...a secret he was driving Rufus "nuts"with!
Along with the strange happenings, some good things began happening as well. Is it natural ability or is it something mysterious?
The story takes some different avenues yet is tied together well. It is very well written.
It describes temptations children can fall into. The most important message of the story, I believe, was if one has confidence and is not fearful, one will accomplish much greater feats. I didn't like the way it ended - leading into more series, I am sure - by not only acknowledging personal abilities but the conclusion he may do more uncouth things in the future. I would recommend an adult discuss the pros and cons of the tale with their child or those of which he/she is reading i too.
The cover was simple but eye-catching. It would entice young boys to pick it up and read. The title is applicable.
This is a great early reader and would be a great "Children's Reading Hour" story. Most young boys would certainly enjoy it.
I give this a strong four and a Half Stars rating.
*I was sent this book by author for an honest review, of which I have given

[A.E. Curzon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rufus Breckenridge is a ten year old boy who reluctantly inherits some magical gifts. His mother, grandmother and aunt are all ‘empowered’, and he has seen it all before. In fact, he comes from a long line of witches. But he has never felt any inclination whatsoever to join the coven and share their lifestyle.

Rufus is not, however, sure when he will get to use these wonderful powers bestowed upon him, or indeed, if ever. As he ambles through his young life, ever thankful that the power, as yet, has not manifested itself, something awful happens to his long-time tormentor, Big Douggie, the school bully. And, all because the thought of getting his own back had run through Rufus’ mind!

This is the second of Marilyn Levinson’s books I have read. And this one, although aimed at a younger market, is just as enjoyable as the first. I was completely taken with it from page one. It’s one of those books you just have to keep turning the pages to see what happens next. It is a pretty short read and I'm confident that children will find it fun, fast-paced, and magical. A thoroughly enjoyable book for anyone searching for a little magic in their day! Get ready to believe in witches again (the good sort).

[Mel Raschke]

Ten-year-old Rufus Breckenridge has always had problems: he's the target of the class bully and unlucky enough to be the son and grandson of witches. Then he discovers the worst problem of all-he has magical powers, too. Rufus just wants to be a normal kid who hangs out with his normal best friend, Billy, and who survives the taunts of Big Douggie with normal skills, like running away fast. However, his magical powers creep up on him and before he realizes it, he's reading minds, propelling Big Douggie to trip on his own feet, and using ponds and puddles to "scary" events happening hundreds of miles away.

[Terri · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rufus and Magic Run Amok by Marilyn Levinson is a fun tale of how one young boy is surrounded by a family of witches -- or Empowered Ones, as his mother likes to put it. Besides that, he has to deal with a common bully every day. However, when he wishes for the bully to take a tumble, it starts all sorts of strange occurrences that Rufus must deal with, including finding out whether he has inherited the family trait.

This book has a great story, however it ends abruptly. I could only assume that this leaves room for sequels, but it was a little frustrating. I'm sure that kids reading this book would agree.