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Hocus Pocus Hotel #1
Hocus Pocus Hotel
Ever since it was built by the great magician Abracadabra, the hotel Tyler Yu lives in has had its share of mysterious events. Ghosts wandering the halls, a magician who vanishes into thin air – Ty can’t figure these things out on his own. But Charlie Hitchcock, with his photographic memory, might just be the partner the school bully needs. Together, they’ll solve magical mysteries beyond your wildest imagination.
204 pages, Hardcover
First published July 1, 2012
43 people are currently reading
380 people want to read
About the author
Michael Dahl
561 books155 followersMichael Dahl is the author of over 200 books for children and young adults, including the acclaimed Finnegan Zwake mystery series and The Library of Doom. His works have earned Edgar and Anthony Award nominations and national design honors. As Editorial Director at Stone Arch Books, he champions engaging, award-winning stories that inspire young readers everywhere.
He also writes under aliases Chris Carey, Rick Thomas, and Mark Ziegler.
He also writes under aliases Chris Carey, Rick Thomas, and Mark Ziegler.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
November 12, 2012
What do yo think you would find in a creaky old hotel built by a famous magician and the home of old retired magic performers? If you guessed ghosts, strange disappearances and shadowy figures in the hallways, you guessed right!
Charlie Hitchcock is your average geek kid. He has a photographic memory and loves to play his Sherlock Homes Maximum Z video game. But, Charlie's life is about to change when he received a note from the worst bully in the entire school, Tyler Yu. The note reads:
Meet me after school at 1313 Gideon Street alley in back. Don't show this to anyone!!!!
Unfortunately, Charlie showed his best friend who then spread the word to the entire school. For Charlie it's a long walk to what is The Hocus Pocus Hotel, formerly know as The Abracadabra Hotel, built by one of the most famous magician's of all time. Tyler Yu, wasn't planning to beat up Charlie, he needed his help to solve a mystery. Missing shower curtains and rings, expensive silver spoons and howling ghostly voices start this duo on a path of solving a puzzle and building a friendship.
Dahl has devised an intricately woven mystery young boys will love. Diagrams and drawings show some famous magicians tricks and how they work. Any magic enthusiast could become a magician by just reading through the pages. Lively illustrations give readers an inside view of the famous hotel and its characters.
Charlie Hitchcock is your average geek kid. He has a photographic memory and loves to play his Sherlock Homes Maximum Z video game. But, Charlie's life is about to change when he received a note from the worst bully in the entire school, Tyler Yu. The note reads:
Meet me after school at 1313 Gideon Street alley in back. Don't show this to anyone!!!!
Unfortunately, Charlie showed his best friend who then spread the word to the entire school. For Charlie it's a long walk to what is The Hocus Pocus Hotel, formerly know as The Abracadabra Hotel, built by one of the most famous magician's of all time. Tyler Yu, wasn't planning to beat up Charlie, he needed his help to solve a mystery. Missing shower curtains and rings, expensive silver spoons and howling ghostly voices start this duo on a path of solving a puzzle and building a friendship.
Dahl has devised an intricately woven mystery young boys will love. Diagrams and drawings show some famous magicians tricks and how they work. Any magic enthusiast could become a magician by just reading through the pages. Lively illustrations give readers an inside view of the famous hotel and its characters.
Want to read
April 22, 2014Very cute book. The story starts out with Charlie getting a note. Nit just any note but a "meet me" not from the toughest kid in Middle School. Everyone knows that Ty is major trouble. Charlie should probably have ran in the opposite direction instead of meeting Ty at the designated place and time, but he was intrigued by "why". Charlie heads over, off campus, to meet up with Ty. After a few minutes he realizes Ty is not going to be beating him up right away. He invites him inside a weird looking hotel. Its really not weird, but a Magic themed Hotel called the Abracadabra. Ty has a mystery that he would like Charlie to figure out. Ty has lost one of his resident magicians! He has vanished and he needs the witty, smart kid to help him with his problem.
I see both boys and girls a like enjoying this fun mystery. The book has great colored illustrations to help bring the story to life and at the end the book includes Discussion questions, writing prompts, and a hand magic trick for you to learn! Neat. ZPD 3.7 and 1.0 AR points.
I see both boys and girls a like enjoying this fun mystery. The book has great colored illustrations to help bring the story to life and at the end the book includes Discussion questions, writing prompts, and a hand magic trick for you to learn! Neat. ZPD 3.7 and 1.0 AR points.
March 29, 2014
This was a solid, slightly spooky mystery kids will enjoy, with a great hook at the beginning and three different mysteries packed into one book. It has the extra added bonus of explaining magic tricks, complete with diagrams, so kids with an interest in magic and performance will also really enjoy this. People who liked Floors by Patrick Carman should also enjoy this one.
June 27, 2019
This is a quick read for grades 3-5. Charlie has a photographic memory. He has no idea when he is summoned by the school bully that it's his unique gift the bully wants. Ty's parents own the Abracadabra Hotel, and there are some strange things going on. Ty needs Charlie's help to find a missing magician and a ghost. The thing about this hotel is that it was built by a magician who installed trick mirrors all over the place. The solutions to the mysteries all point to the mirrors and a mysterious elevator operator.
Nothing earth shattering. It's a good book for reluctant readers with its full-page, color illustrations.
Nothing earth shattering. It's a good book for reluctant readers with its full-page, color illustrations.
January 9, 2023
La estética del libro, con sus ilustraciones y decoraciones, es hermosa y ayuda mucho a visualizar los diferentes personajes y lugares del hotel, además de entender los trucos de magia. La historia es buena, me gusta la relación entre Tayler y Charlie, muy diferentes entre sí.
"—El señor Yu podrá decirle. El hotel fue construido con magia —afirmó—. Nunca confíe en lo que ve aquí. O en lo que no ve. Hasta puede parecer que la gente desaparece de vez en cuando... pero recuerde, es un gran hotel".
"—El señor Yu podrá decirle. El hotel fue construido con magia —afirmó—. Nunca confíe en lo que ve aquí. O en lo que no ve. Hasta puede parecer que la gente desaparece de vez en cuando... pero recuerde, es un gran hotel".
September 15, 2022
I read this book back in the third grade and at the time I didn't realize I had read so many pages being so young. I still remember everything that happened in this book and just how good it was. If you like mystery or suspense I highly recommend this book.
October 22, 2017
A perfect short story
June 4, 2018
Very clever and entertaining!
November 4, 2018
Needed to read a book set in a hotel, this worked for a quick read.
July 14, 2019
Best book ever
I loved it . I love the mysteries . I could not put the book down . I hope they do a series
I loved it . I love the mysteries . I could not put the book down . I hope they do a series
December 29, 2019
Great book for young mystery readers who like to solve puzzles.
May 3, 2020
Fun mystery book about friendships being formed in unlikely places. Really enjoyed it.
November 25, 2020
Brilliant
My 8 year old daughter loved this. One of the few chapters books she adores and can't wait for the next chapters.
My 8 year old daughter loved this. One of the few chapters books she adores and can't wait for the next chapters.
August 3, 2021
Cute book. The mysteries were solved too fast though. I finished it in on sitting (less than 3 hours).
March 27, 2023
3.5 ✨️
April 24, 2024
Got through this pretty quickly, my 7 year old especially enjoyed it and didn't want me to put it down! We will likely read the sequels soon.
October 7, 2024
Cute reflections on magicians
October 18, 2025
Perfect for the spooky vibes! A light, well written read with visuals that really pull you in.
September 29, 2023
I love a good mystery. So we (my 7 yo daughter and myself) found this at the local Children's Library and borrowed it. We weren't disappointed.
What a fun read!! The mysteries were plentiful. The story was great, it's magical. Can't wait to read the next one!
What a fun read!! The mysteries were plentiful. The story was great, it's magical. Can't wait to read the next one!
October 24, 2012
I really ended up enjoying Hocus Pocus Hotel. I usually like turning to Middle Grade books when I need something light and fun to read, and this book fit the bill for sure. It's was a ton of fun to read, fell of mystery, clue solving and just an all around good time. I really enjoyed the illustrations and such that went along with the book, visual aid always helps to build atmosphere especially when it's an image directly related to a scene on a previous page. You will see a lot of that. This being the first book of Michael's that I have read, I have to say I am pretty impressed. And will be reading more of his books, one of which I plan to review later this month.
The story wasn't extremely complex, as you could expect in a Middle Grade book but it's more than enough to keep you interested in what is going on, even for older readers. You have two characters, that you would never expect to get along. Tyler is a school bully that doesn't really talk, but will leave notes for people he wants to harass, and one day he leaves a note for Charlie, so naturally Charlie thinks he is going to get beat up after school. That is not the case though. Tyler has come to Charlie for help, and they end up getting themselves in quite a situation.
I loved the mystery aspect of this book, seeing Tyler and Charlie work out clues and figure out what exactly was going on in the hotel. While it's all pretty basic and toned down, you got to remind yourself that the book is written for younger readers. But I feel like it's easily a book that older readers can pick up and enjoy too. Don't be turned away from it just because of the idea of it being middle grade, there are a lot of enjoyable middle grade titles out there for all to enjoy, and this is one of them.
I enjoyed the ending, I felt like it was a great way to wrap up an already enjoyable book. I felt like things were a little predictable, but I feel like younger readers won't have that issue as I imagine they will be more wrapped up in everything going on rather than paying a lot of attention to a lot of the finer details. But predictable in this case wasn't a bad thing, I liked the outcome and everything leading up to it so I really have nothing to complain about.
Overall I thought this was a great book. As with most Middle Grade book, you're not really going to find something extremely deep and thought provoking. It's mostly just going to be fun, light moments throughout the book. Even the somewhat darker aspects of Hocus Pocus Hotel had a lighter feel to them than you would imagine, but I really enjoyed that about the book. If it sounds like something you might enjoy, then I would suggest checking it out.
The story wasn't extremely complex, as you could expect in a Middle Grade book but it's more than enough to keep you interested in what is going on, even for older readers. You have two characters, that you would never expect to get along. Tyler is a school bully that doesn't really talk, but will leave notes for people he wants to harass, and one day he leaves a note for Charlie, so naturally Charlie thinks he is going to get beat up after school. That is not the case though. Tyler has come to Charlie for help, and they end up getting themselves in quite a situation.
I loved the mystery aspect of this book, seeing Tyler and Charlie work out clues and figure out what exactly was going on in the hotel. While it's all pretty basic and toned down, you got to remind yourself that the book is written for younger readers. But I feel like it's easily a book that older readers can pick up and enjoy too. Don't be turned away from it just because of the idea of it being middle grade, there are a lot of enjoyable middle grade titles out there for all to enjoy, and this is one of them.
I enjoyed the ending, I felt like it was a great way to wrap up an already enjoyable book. I felt like things were a little predictable, but I feel like younger readers won't have that issue as I imagine they will be more wrapped up in everything going on rather than paying a lot of attention to a lot of the finer details. But predictable in this case wasn't a bad thing, I liked the outcome and everything leading up to it so I really have nothing to complain about.
Overall I thought this was a great book. As with most Middle Grade book, you're not really going to find something extremely deep and thought provoking. It's mostly just going to be fun, light moments throughout the book. Even the somewhat darker aspects of Hocus Pocus Hotel had a lighter feel to them than you would imagine, but I really enjoyed that about the book. If it sounds like something you might enjoy, then I would suggest checking it out.
October 2, 2012
Hocus Pocus Hotel by Michael Dahl is the first book in a promising new series aimed at children. Charlie Hitchcock (or “Hitch”) is the class genius, known for his photographic memory. Tyler Yu (“Ty”) is the class bully, known for beating up kids after slipping them a note saying to meet him after school. Charlie gets one of the infamous notes and leaves school to a chorus of kids telling him goodbye. He meets Ty in a dark alley near some dumpsters and fears that Ty will soon be dumping him in one. Ty has other plans, though, and invites Charlie into the Abracadabra Hotel, known to many as the “Hocus Pocus Hotel”. This hotel was built by a magician for magicians and is full of secrets.
Tyler and Charlie team up to solve the mystery of a magician who has disappeared. They learn more about the hotel, its residents, and some of the tricks magicians use to perform their illusions as they work together to try to find the missing magician. Along the way they meet Brack, the elevator operator, Tyler’s mom and dad, and a host of performers and employees. Of course, they can’t acknowledge each other back in school or Charlie will be pounded for real.
Unexpectedly, this first volume contains not just one mystery, but two (or maybe more?). I would have appreciated a break in the book to indicate that a new story was started, but that wasn’t a huge problem other than it would have provided a convenient stopping place while reading with my child. Tyler and Charlie team up again to solve the mystery of a ghost in the hotel. Strange noises, objects taken from locked rooms, and a voice calling out “Mister Ken”. Who is Ken? Is the hotel actually haunted? We get to learn some more about illusions as the duo work towards solving the next mystery.
As an adult, I found this an entertaining read with some great illustrations. I would have loved this sort of book when I was in elementary school. The proof that a child will like this comes from my kid who couldn’t wait to keep going and find out how the mysteries were solved and how the tricks were done. We had to keep reading until the very end because the story was great to hold the imagination and attention. We’re now eagerly looking forward to book #2 which is due out in 2013.
Disclaimer: I was provided with a review copy of this book. There was no expectation of anything on my part for receiving the book. I was not influenced by the publisher or author in any way.
Tyler and Charlie team up to solve the mystery of a magician who has disappeared. They learn more about the hotel, its residents, and some of the tricks magicians use to perform their illusions as they work together to try to find the missing magician. Along the way they meet Brack, the elevator operator, Tyler’s mom and dad, and a host of performers and employees. Of course, they can’t acknowledge each other back in school or Charlie will be pounded for real.
Unexpectedly, this first volume contains not just one mystery, but two (or maybe more?). I would have appreciated a break in the book to indicate that a new story was started, but that wasn’t a huge problem other than it would have provided a convenient stopping place while reading with my child. Tyler and Charlie team up again to solve the mystery of a ghost in the hotel. Strange noises, objects taken from locked rooms, and a voice calling out “Mister Ken”. Who is Ken? Is the hotel actually haunted? We get to learn some more about illusions as the duo work towards solving the next mystery.
As an adult, I found this an entertaining read with some great illustrations. I would have loved this sort of book when I was in elementary school. The proof that a child will like this comes from my kid who couldn’t wait to keep going and find out how the mysteries were solved and how the tricks were done. We had to keep reading until the very end because the story was great to hold the imagination and attention. We’re now eagerly looking forward to book #2 which is due out in 2013.
Disclaimer: I was provided with a review copy of this book. There was no expectation of anything on my part for receiving the book. I was not influenced by the publisher or author in any way.
August 2, 2012
HOCUS POCUS HOTEL is the first book in a middle grade mystery series. Tyler Yu is the biggest seventh grader at Blackstone Middle School. Charlie Hitchcock is a geek. But Ty is saving up to buy a motorcycle using the money he makes working at his parents' hotel: the Abracadabra Hotel. However, he won't have enough money if he can't get Mr. Madagascar's rent - and Mr. Madagascar has vanished. So he asks Charlie to help, since he has an acute visual memory and thus can remember everything he sees. They're also helped by Mr. Brack, one of the old elevator operators.
Due to Charlie's ability, I was reminded of the Cam Jensen mystery series which I absolutely loved back in first grade. Current young mystery lovers will probably get a kick out of HOCUS POCUS HOTEL, especially since there are two mysteries to be solved instead of just one. Magic fans will enjoy it too. The Abracadabra Hotel is full of magicians, secrets, and riddles - the perfect atmosphere for tricks. Each trick is explained with a diagram, although they probably can't be done at home due to the complicated mirror set-ups needed.
Lisa K. Weber's art is an excellent accompaniment to Michael Dahl's story. Her illustrations have big expressions, clean lines, and detailed backgrounds. The hotel is as much a character as the boys and Brack and her work helps bring it to life. There's no whitewashing either. Ty is clearly Asian in the artwork. You can click on the link to the series' website at the top of this review to preview Weber's art.
If you know a young mystery reader, you might direct them towards HOCUS POCUS HOTEL. It's quick and cute with a great setting. Dahl also sets up a couple of ongoing plotlines for the rest of the series. Now that Tyler and Charlie have bridged the geek-jock gap by solving mysteries together, it might be time to act like friends at school too. They're also going to help the magicians put on a show at the Abracadabra for the first time in fifty years, in order to help restore the hotel to its former glory. It's nice to know there will be ongoing storylines and characterization rather than each book standing alone.
Due to Charlie's ability, I was reminded of the Cam Jensen mystery series which I absolutely loved back in first grade. Current young mystery lovers will probably get a kick out of HOCUS POCUS HOTEL, especially since there are two mysteries to be solved instead of just one. Magic fans will enjoy it too. The Abracadabra Hotel is full of magicians, secrets, and riddles - the perfect atmosphere for tricks. Each trick is explained with a diagram, although they probably can't be done at home due to the complicated mirror set-ups needed.
Lisa K. Weber's art is an excellent accompaniment to Michael Dahl's story. Her illustrations have big expressions, clean lines, and detailed backgrounds. The hotel is as much a character as the boys and Brack and her work helps bring it to life. There's no whitewashing either. Ty is clearly Asian in the artwork. You can click on the link to the series' website at the top of this review to preview Weber's art.
If you know a young mystery reader, you might direct them towards HOCUS POCUS HOTEL. It's quick and cute with a great setting. Dahl also sets up a couple of ongoing plotlines for the rest of the series. Now that Tyler and Charlie have bridged the geek-jock gap by solving mysteries together, it might be time to act like friends at school too. They're also going to help the magicians put on a show at the Abracadabra for the first time in fifty years, in order to help restore the hotel to its former glory. It's nice to know there will be ongoing storylines and characterization rather than each book standing alone.
September 27, 2018
Title: Hocus Pocus Hotel
Author: Michael Dahl
Published: 2012
Genre: Middle Grade, adventure, mystery
Summary: When Charlie Hitchcock gets a note from the toughest kid in school he is scared because Tyler is not known for being nice. When Charlie meets Tyler after school that day, he learns that sometimes even tough kids needs some help when it comes to big problems. It goes like this: Tyler works at the mysterious Abracadabra hotel, better known by the local kids as the Hocus Pocus Hotel, a hotel built by the famous magician Abracadabra as a place for other magicians to live and practice their talents. One day Mr. Madagascar, one of the magicians, goes missing and so Tyler asks Charlie for help since Charlie is known as one of the smartest kids in their school. Tyler knows that the hotel isn’t normal as the magicians built it to be one giant show. But after what he and Charlie go through to find the missing magician neither of them feel like they ever really know what is going on.
What I liked about it: I liked the characters a lot. Tyler was Cool and Charlie was fun. Brace the elevator operator is quirky and fascinating. The plot was a lot of fun because the hotel is all one giant magic show/fun house and so trying to solve the riddles and puzzles along with the boys was a lot of fun!
Language: None
Romance: None
Violence: None
Magic: My good gracious there is a ton of magic. Magic everywhere! However it is not spells and curses, it is slight of hand like you might see at a kids party, only on a bigger scale since the hotel was built to baffle the minds of those not in on its secrets. I loved the way the magic was because it made a lot of puzzles that were fun to try and solve. There were even a few parts where it showed kids how to do basic slight of hand.
Recommended Age: This book is fun and clean. I think that as early as 8-9 is fine as it is not overly complicated while still being fun. That being said though, I would say there is no upper age as it is fun each time I read it, even when I know the end.
Author: Michael Dahl
Published: 2012
Genre: Middle Grade, adventure, mystery
Summary: When Charlie Hitchcock gets a note from the toughest kid in school he is scared because Tyler is not known for being nice. When Charlie meets Tyler after school that day, he learns that sometimes even tough kids needs some help when it comes to big problems. It goes like this: Tyler works at the mysterious Abracadabra hotel, better known by the local kids as the Hocus Pocus Hotel, a hotel built by the famous magician Abracadabra as a place for other magicians to live and practice their talents. One day Mr. Madagascar, one of the magicians, goes missing and so Tyler asks Charlie for help since Charlie is known as one of the smartest kids in their school. Tyler knows that the hotel isn’t normal as the magicians built it to be one giant show. But after what he and Charlie go through to find the missing magician neither of them feel like they ever really know what is going on.
What I liked about it: I liked the characters a lot. Tyler was Cool and Charlie was fun. Brace the elevator operator is quirky and fascinating. The plot was a lot of fun because the hotel is all one giant magic show/fun house and so trying to solve the riddles and puzzles along with the boys was a lot of fun!
Language: None
Romance: None
Violence: None
Magic: My good gracious there is a ton of magic. Magic everywhere! However it is not spells and curses, it is slight of hand like you might see at a kids party, only on a bigger scale since the hotel was built to baffle the minds of those not in on its secrets. I loved the way the magic was because it made a lot of puzzles that were fun to try and solve. There were even a few parts where it showed kids how to do basic slight of hand.
Recommended Age: This book is fun and clean. I think that as early as 8-9 is fine as it is not overly complicated while still being fun. That being said though, I would say there is no upper age as it is fun each time I read it, even when I know the end.
December 1, 2012
Hocus Pocus Hotel is an entertaining middle-grade read that will delight younger and older readers alike. Its fresh, fun and exciting! It will have you flipping the pages, enjoying the story and admiring the gorgeous illustrations.
Hocus Pocus Hotel is about the school brain and the school bully that strike up an unlikely friendship. When Charlie Hitchock is handed a note during the day, by none other then the school bully, Ty Yu. Charlie is expecting to fight Tyler Yu after school, as whenever someone is handed a note by Tyler, they know they're in trouble. Charlie, however, is pleasantly surprised when Tyler does not beat him up, but instead asks him to help solve a puzzle in the Hocus Pocus Hotel, also known as the Abracadraba. Charlie (with his acute visual memory) and Ty with his familiarity to the hotel, both set out together to figure out the magical mysteries hidden in the hotel's walls.
When I received this for review, I was expecting an adventurous, magical read, and that's exactly what I got. Although the book wasn't complex, and a quick read, seeing as its a a middle grade novel, I enjoyed it none the less. Although it was quite predictable, I enjoyed watching the characters piece together the clues and seeing what the final conclusion of the mystery was.
The illustrations are absolutely gorgeous, I can see Hocus Pocus Hotel sitting on my shelf for quite a while, as while I was reading the book, I constantly found my eyes were drifting towards the colourful drawings.
Hocus Pocus Hotel was a fun, entertaining read that I would recommend for middle-grade readers, and older readers that are looking for a magical, quick read that doesn't involve a complex plot. The illustrations are gorgeous, buy you a hardcopy of this, just so you can stare at the images. After a great book to the start of a new series, I eagerly await the second book in the series.
I give it: 4 CUPCAKES!
Hocus Pocus Hotel is about the school brain and the school bully that strike up an unlikely friendship. When Charlie Hitchock is handed a note during the day, by none other then the school bully, Ty Yu. Charlie is expecting to fight Tyler Yu after school, as whenever someone is handed a note by Tyler, they know they're in trouble. Charlie, however, is pleasantly surprised when Tyler does not beat him up, but instead asks him to help solve a puzzle in the Hocus Pocus Hotel, also known as the Abracadraba. Charlie (with his acute visual memory) and Ty with his familiarity to the hotel, both set out together to figure out the magical mysteries hidden in the hotel's walls.
When I received this for review, I was expecting an adventurous, magical read, and that's exactly what I got. Although the book wasn't complex, and a quick read, seeing as its a a middle grade novel, I enjoyed it none the less. Although it was quite predictable, I enjoyed watching the characters piece together the clues and seeing what the final conclusion of the mystery was.
The illustrations are absolutely gorgeous, I can see Hocus Pocus Hotel sitting on my shelf for quite a while, as while I was reading the book, I constantly found my eyes were drifting towards the colourful drawings.
Hocus Pocus Hotel was a fun, entertaining read that I would recommend for middle-grade readers, and older readers that are looking for a magical, quick read that doesn't involve a complex plot. The illustrations are gorgeous, buy you a hardcopy of this, just so you can stare at the images. After a great book to the start of a new series, I eagerly await the second book in the series.
I give it: 4 CUPCAKES!
August 8, 2012
Charlie Hitchcock is a total geek, with a photographic memory. Tyler Yu, the school bully, is saving up to buy a motorcycle working in his parents' hotel (called the Abracadabra). But Mr. Madagascar, one of the tenants, has gone missing without paying his rent. He is a retired magician and most of the hotel guests are former performers of some sort or another. With the help of a very curious Charlie, the elevator operator Mr. Brack and the uncovering of some illusions that are too 'magical' to possibly be actual magic, can the boys find the missing magician in time to get the rent before Tyler's parents notice? This was a fun book for me, as someone who never really read mysteries as a kid - it's something that I've gotten into a lot more now that I'm an adult. But I loved the illustrations and Tyler's inept bullying, that isn't quite mean-spirited enough to be taken seriously. Mr. Brack was alternately creepy and a wise old man who is still sharper than a tack. The story was fun, even if the mirror set-ups do make it a little over complex to try any of the tricks at home. The ending was cute and I look forward to future books in the series, just to see what places Charlie and Tyler go next. Although, as an older reader I like a little bit more of an intricate plot to my stories nowadays.Overall I'd recommend this mostly for elementary and middle school aged readers and their teachers.
VERDICT: 3/5 Stars
*I received an Advanced Reading E-book Copy from the publisher, via NetGalley. No money or favors were exchanged for this review. This book was published August 1st, 2012.*
VERDICT: 3/5 Stars
*I received an Advanced Reading E-book Copy from the publisher, via NetGalley. No money or favors were exchanged for this review. This book was published August 1st, 2012.*
October 31, 2012
A new favorite series that my kids and I are definitely going to follow! Hocus Pocus Hotel is the first book in a new magical-mystery series created by Michael Dahl for middle graders.
The Hocus Pocus Hotel is actually called The Abracadabra named after the famous magician that built it for magicians to have a place to live, practice and perform their acts. Tyler and his family live and run this hotel - but lately, they have been experiencing some odd disturbances and disappearances and Ty thinks that people are going to stop coming to stay at the hotel because they may think that it is haunted.
Charlie is a smart boy that tries to keep out of trouble. When he receives a note from Ty, he thinks that it is his invitation to finally get a beating of some sort from the school bully. Surprisingly, it was a mandatory invite to meet Ty at the hotel. Ty needs Charlie's smarts and photographic memory to help him figure out the mysterious things that have been happening throughout the hotel. And Charlie is the perfect kid for the job!
There are numerous mysterious to be solved! And with each one, we learn just how magicians do their magic. Charlie and his photographic memory doesn't miss a single clue and it is so much fun to see him unravel the magic tricks through illustrations that he draws to show us exactly how the trick is performed. The perfect read for any kid who loves a little mystery and finally getting to see how magic tricks are really performed!
The Hocus Pocus Hotel is actually called The Abracadabra named after the famous magician that built it for magicians to have a place to live, practice and perform their acts. Tyler and his family live and run this hotel - but lately, they have been experiencing some odd disturbances and disappearances and Ty thinks that people are going to stop coming to stay at the hotel because they may think that it is haunted.
Charlie is a smart boy that tries to keep out of trouble. When he receives a note from Ty, he thinks that it is his invitation to finally get a beating of some sort from the school bully. Surprisingly, it was a mandatory invite to meet Ty at the hotel. Ty needs Charlie's smarts and photographic memory to help him figure out the mysterious things that have been happening throughout the hotel. And Charlie is the perfect kid for the job!
There are numerous mysterious to be solved! And with each one, we learn just how magicians do their magic. Charlie and his photographic memory doesn't miss a single clue and it is so much fun to see him unravel the magic tricks through illustrations that he draws to show us exactly how the trick is performed. The perfect read for any kid who loves a little mystery and finally getting to see how magic tricks are really performed!
September 20, 2016
This book starts with an intelligent boy named Charlie Hitchcock getting a note from the biggest bully in the school Tyler Yu. This note invites Charlie to the Abracadabra hotel that homes magicians as they travel. Charlie arrives and meets Tyler to find out why he is their. Tyler's family owns the hotel and Tyler works their. Tyler is saving money to spend on a brand new dirt bike. But when items disappear from the hotel rooms, cost to replace them comes off of Tyler's pay. This is where Charlie's smarts comes in to help find out the mystery of the missing items.
In my opinion, the character that changes the most was Tyler. He goes from a Bully that was just going to use Charlie to help him, to making a unlikely friendship with a "nerd". Through out this book Tyler's speech changes from phrases such as "Okay great job nerd." to "Wow, your not bad Hitchcock." He didn't know the difference this experience would give him. It taught him he has more in common with Charlie Hitchcock (a boy with an acute memory).
I enjoyed this book very much. It taught me the importance of friendship and a thing or two about magic. I chose this book because of the cover (like most people do). I read "Hocus Pocus Hotel" so I assumed it was a book that talked about magic. I took interest because I am interested in magic tricks and playing cards. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a mystery to solve and a book to read.
In my opinion, the character that changes the most was Tyler. He goes from a Bully that was just going to use Charlie to help him, to making a unlikely friendship with a "nerd". Through out this book Tyler's speech changes from phrases such as "Okay great job nerd." to "Wow, your not bad Hitchcock." He didn't know the difference this experience would give him. It taught him he has more in common with Charlie Hitchcock (a boy with an acute memory).
I enjoyed this book very much. It taught me the importance of friendship and a thing or two about magic. I chose this book because of the cover (like most people do). I read "Hocus Pocus Hotel" so I assumed it was a book that talked about magic. I took interest because I am interested in magic tricks and playing cards. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a mystery to solve and a book to read.
August 14, 2012
I really enjoyed this middle grade book by Michael Dahl, it's the first book I have read from him and I now can't wait to read Troll Hunter the next book I have from this author to read. Hocus Pocus Hotel is very easy to read and has a great flow to it that I think a lot of young readers will love. The illustrations in this book are great and really bring the story to life.
The book starts out with Charlie thinking he is going has to fight the school bully Ty, because he has a note telling him to meet him after school. When he gets to the place he finds out that Ty just wants his help solving a mystery and because he knows that Charlie aka Hitch, as a photogenic mind and can remember everything he sees.
Together they solve two different mysteries in the hotel and Charlie figures something out on his own, but together they sort of form a unlikely friendship.
The book is about mysteries and magicians and filled with cool magic tricks and little diagrams that show you just how the tricks work so it's easy to picture in your mind. My favorite character is Mr. Brack the elevator operator he is mysterious and fun.
It was fun, mysterious and I think boys and girls who love to read will both enjoy this book. I would definitely recommend this book.
The book starts out with Charlie thinking he is going has to fight the school bully Ty, because he has a note telling him to meet him after school. When he gets to the place he finds out that Ty just wants his help solving a mystery and because he knows that Charlie aka Hitch, as a photogenic mind and can remember everything he sees.
Together they solve two different mysteries in the hotel and Charlie figures something out on his own, but together they sort of form a unlikely friendship.
The book is about mysteries and magicians and filled with cool magic tricks and little diagrams that show you just how the tricks work so it's easy to picture in your mind. My favorite character is Mr. Brack the elevator operator he is mysterious and fun.
It was fun, mysterious and I think boys and girls who love to read will both enjoy this book. I would definitely recommend this book.
October 20, 2012
First Impression: Dahl writes a lot of books for Capstone, so I was happy to see a bit of a thicker novel that involved magic in a hotel.
While Reading: I've always loved stories that take place in a hotel full of mysteries. This story was no exception. Ty is a big scary bully who tracks down Charlie to help him with a couple of mysteries happening in the Hocus Pocus Hotel. Charlie cannot help solving puzzles and even though he's a bit afraid of Ty, he agrees and together they figure out how a magician jumped out of a window and disappeared. More mysteries start happening and Charlie must help Ty solve the problems, or he'll be in big trouble.
I really loved Charlie, who is a bit of a nerd and loves figuring out puzzles. Also, the elevator operator is a humorous old man who gives cryptic clues and has his own mysterious air about him. The illustrations in this novel are fantastic and really help the reader visual all that is happening throughout the story.
Final Verdict: A great read for elementary students, one that will capture and hold their attention as they solve mysteries with Charlie and Ty.
While Reading: I've always loved stories that take place in a hotel full of mysteries. This story was no exception. Ty is a big scary bully who tracks down Charlie to help him with a couple of mysteries happening in the Hocus Pocus Hotel. Charlie cannot help solving puzzles and even though he's a bit afraid of Ty, he agrees and together they figure out how a magician jumped out of a window and disappeared. More mysteries start happening and Charlie must help Ty solve the problems, or he'll be in big trouble.
I really loved Charlie, who is a bit of a nerd and loves figuring out puzzles. Also, the elevator operator is a humorous old man who gives cryptic clues and has his own mysterious air about him. The illustrations in this novel are fantastic and really help the reader visual all that is happening throughout the story.
Final Verdict: A great read for elementary students, one that will capture and hold their attention as they solve mysteries with Charlie and Ty.
July 31, 2012
Background: The Hocus Pocus Hotel is really called the Abracadabra, and it has some weird things happening. Rumors of ghosts and crazy occurrences plague the staff and unique guests. The Abracadabra Hotel is really a retirement place for old magicians as well as a hotel and Hitch, the school nerd and Tyler, the school bully and son of the hotel manager, team up to correct the problems.
Review: This was an adorable read. The story was mysterious and an adventure full of fun characters and magician history. The boys are an interesting pair, the nerd and the bully working together to right the rumors about the hotel with smarts and spirit. The Hocus Pocus Hotel has beautiful illustrations throughout and diagrams to help explain some of the boy's findings. It was a quick read, and it was very fun. This will be a series of books and my copy had a preview of the next installment...which I will have to go pick up.
This would be a great book for reluctant young readers, probably ages 5-8 ish....but a fun read for anyone.
Review copy from Stone Arch Books and imprint of Capstone.
Review: This was an adorable read. The story was mysterious and an adventure full of fun characters and magician history. The boys are an interesting pair, the nerd and the bully working together to right the rumors about the hotel with smarts and spirit. The Hocus Pocus Hotel has beautiful illustrations throughout and diagrams to help explain some of the boy's findings. It was a quick read, and it was very fun. This will be a series of books and my copy had a preview of the next installment...which I will have to go pick up.
This would be a great book for reluctant young readers, probably ages 5-8 ish....but a fun read for anyone.
Review copy from Stone Arch Books and imprint of Capstone.
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