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Jerry #1
Jerry's Magic
Jerry Shore is ten. He lost his dad five years ago in the Big War, and broke a finger putting his fist through a wall. He’s the man of the house and makes good money now, selling and renting magical objects he gets from the Wonderworker by the dump. And he’s learning The Look, which puts people under his power.
When some objects don’t work, burly Cromer Borkin and sneaky Willie Fielder lead the kids at school to demand their money back. He’s already spent it and would be in big trouble if not for The Doubler, which doubles money left in it overnight. Only pretty Suzie Steele still believes in him . . . and the Wonderworker, who cautions him not to misuse The Doubler and helps him discover his higher self.
When some objects don’t work, burly Cromer Borkin and sneaky Willie Fielder lead the kids at school to demand their money back. He’s already spent it and would be in big trouble if not for The Doubler, which doubles money left in it overnight. Only pretty Suzie Steele still believes in him . . . and the Wonderworker, who cautions him not to misuse The Doubler and helps him discover his higher self.
- GenresMiddle Grade
96 pages, Paperback
First published September 7, 2014
8 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
April 8, 2015
This is a short read, and I think the intended audience is children around 10 years old, which is Jerry's age in the story. However, I think that Jerry's growth and ability to learn meditation and answer to a higher self might confuse a ten year old audience.
As an adult I can appreciate Jerry's choices, and Jerry's magic. I am not certain that a 10 year old would. The story starts out simply enough, but about halfway through becomes more about the higher power of our souls and our ability to discover the magic within ourselves and about how if we believe in something enough it becomes real. These are deep topics for a young audience.
As an adult I can appreciate Jerry's choices, and Jerry's magic. I am not certain that a 10 year old would. The story starts out simply enough, but about halfway through becomes more about the higher power of our souls and our ability to discover the magic within ourselves and about how if we believe in something enough it becomes real. These are deep topics for a young audience.
March 2, 2021
Jerry is a 10 year old boy who lives with his mom. His dad died 5 years ago in World War II. In an attempt to earn some money, he gets “magical” items from the Wonderworker who lives at the dump and then charges his friends to use them. When they get suspicious and demand their money back, Jerry is in trouble because he’s already spent it. The Wonderworker presents him with the Doubler, a machine that will double his money each night, but he has to use it honestly and learn to rely on his Higher Self.
This book was ok. Not terrible, but not great, either. It’s a bit slow, especially about halfway through when the Wonderworker starts teaching Jerry about meditation and his Higher Self. I feel like that part was also a bit too deep and abstract for the target audience to understand. The lessons Jerry learns are great, but it just was not a super interesting book for me.
Thanks to NetGalley for the free ebook.
This book was ok. Not terrible, but not great, either. It’s a bit slow, especially about halfway through when the Wonderworker starts teaching Jerry about meditation and his Higher Self. I feel like that part was also a bit too deep and abstract for the target audience to understand. The lessons Jerry learns are great, but it just was not a super interesting book for me.
Thanks to NetGalley for the free ebook.
June 24, 2024
This book has been on my TBR for over 8 years; I can’t remember how I came to have a copy, a widget, I think? I think maybe I waited so long because the cover doesn’t appeal to me and I was worried it would be overtly religious and preachy.
It is a little bit preachy but less overtly Christian than I expected. The story wasn’t too cookie cutter, like I feared, but had a little depth to it. It really wasn’t my sort of book but it might appeal to those who like a heavy spiritual message in their middle grade stories.
It is a little bit preachy but less overtly Christian than I expected. The story wasn’t too cookie cutter, like I feared, but had a little depth to it. It really wasn’t my sort of book but it might appeal to those who like a heavy spiritual message in their middle grade stories.
October 3, 2016
Jerry's Magic has a unique presentation and a truly valuable message for YA's. The information introduced about meditation in a clear and appropriate way was great! Many people probably aren't aware of the benefits of being able to sit and calm in meditation. What a gift for kids who are facing the challenges of growing up in these modern times.
I thank the author, the publisher Larson Publications and Netgalley.com for allowing me to read this cleverly staged book.
I thank the author, the publisher Larson Publications and Netgalley.com for allowing me to read this cleverly staged book.
January 31, 2017
This review originally published in Looking For a Good Book. Rated .5 of 5.0
Nope. This middle grade reader falls apart on just about every level.
Jerry Shore is ten years old and is now the man of the house after his father is killed in the Big War. As such, he finds the need to start bringing home money, but instead of going out to get a job, he finds it easier to make money by selling magic items to the locals.
What I discovered was that Jerry was a ten-year old con artist. For more than half the book Jerry convinced some of his friends to put money in to a device he promises will enable the viewer to see through walls - specifically "for peeks into the girls' locker room at the gym". Of course all his friends want to be able to do this (which by itself is kind of creepy!). But the device doesn't actually work and Jerry has to keep putting them off and promising that it soon will, even when he knows it won't work. It isn't until the school bully threatens Jerry to get a working device or give the money back, does Jerry start to worry. He's already spent the money. What will he do?
Author W.W. Rowe might think that the message being delivered is one of "believe in yourself and your abilities" by summing it up for the reader, but the actions of the character speak volumes more. Preying on the peeping-tom creep in an individual and conning people to give money for the promise of something is the stronger message that comes through.
The narrative style of third person, present tense is awkward at best, often clumsy: "One hot, humid afternoon, Jerry weeds until he's drenched with sweat, so the tipping lady will be extra generous." "One hot, humid afternoon" comes across as past tense. Is this not 'today, a hot humid afternoon?' "Jerry weeds" - present tense or past tense? Earlier we read "Jerry laughs" and "Jerry makes good money" and someone's "hobby is" - all present tense. "...the tipping lady will be extra generous" future expectation. We have past, present and future tense all in one brief sentence. Note: I picked this sentence completely at random.
I really just feel kind of icky after reading this. I would never be able to recommend this to anyone.
Looking for a good book? It's not Jerry's Magic by W. W. Rowe, that's for sure!
I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher, through Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.
Nope. This middle grade reader falls apart on just about every level.
Jerry Shore is ten years old and is now the man of the house after his father is killed in the Big War. As such, he finds the need to start bringing home money, but instead of going out to get a job, he finds it easier to make money by selling magic items to the locals.
What I discovered was that Jerry was a ten-year old con artist. For more than half the book Jerry convinced some of his friends to put money in to a device he promises will enable the viewer to see through walls - specifically "for peeks into the girls' locker room at the gym". Of course all his friends want to be able to do this (which by itself is kind of creepy!). But the device doesn't actually work and Jerry has to keep putting them off and promising that it soon will, even when he knows it won't work. It isn't until the school bully threatens Jerry to get a working device or give the money back, does Jerry start to worry. He's already spent the money. What will he do?
Author W.W. Rowe might think that the message being delivered is one of "believe in yourself and your abilities" by summing it up for the reader, but the actions of the character speak volumes more. Preying on the peeping-tom creep in an individual and conning people to give money for the promise of something is the stronger message that comes through.
The narrative style of third person, present tense is awkward at best, often clumsy: "One hot, humid afternoon, Jerry weeds until he's drenched with sweat, so the tipping lady will be extra generous." "One hot, humid afternoon" comes across as past tense. Is this not 'today, a hot humid afternoon?' "Jerry weeds" - present tense or past tense? Earlier we read "Jerry laughs" and "Jerry makes good money" and someone's "hobby is" - all present tense. "...the tipping lady will be extra generous" future expectation. We have past, present and future tense all in one brief sentence. Note: I picked this sentence completely at random.
I really just feel kind of icky after reading this. I would never be able to recommend this to anyone.
Looking for a good book? It's not Jerry's Magic by W. W. Rowe, that's for sure!
I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher, through Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.
May 4, 2015
Jerry's Magic by W. W. Rowe is a fast moving children's story set in the 1950s. The well drawn setting feels natural and contemporary. The characters are simple yet compelling. They have the innocence we expect from the characters in a Rockwell painting and, like those characters, they are inherently lovable. Don't let the bucolic setting fool you, however. There are bullies in this paradise and Jerry must find a way to deal with them.
Jerry is a 10 year old boy whose father died in World War II. Jerry has cultivated a reputation at school of being a magician. He uses this reputation to protect himself and his friend Monty from bullies. He also uses this reputation to swindle his classmates. When his classmates, including the bullies, demand their money back from one of his swindles, Jerry seeks out the advice of the Wonder Worker, a vagrant named Wilcox. Wilcox provides Jerry with a magic box that will double his money each night so that Jerry will be able to pay back the bullies after 3 nights. The box does not come without strings attached, however. Jerry's motives must be pure and he must learn to contact his higher self in order for the box to work.
This book is fast moving with a level of drama and a moral appropriate for tweens and preteens. It was very enjoyable.
Jerry is a 10 year old boy whose father died in World War II. Jerry has cultivated a reputation at school of being a magician. He uses this reputation to protect himself and his friend Monty from bullies. He also uses this reputation to swindle his classmates. When his classmates, including the bullies, demand their money back from one of his swindles, Jerry seeks out the advice of the Wonder Worker, a vagrant named Wilcox. Wilcox provides Jerry with a magic box that will double his money each night so that Jerry will be able to pay back the bullies after 3 nights. The box does not come without strings attached, however. Jerry's motives must be pure and he must learn to contact his higher self in order for the box to work.
This book is fast moving with a level of drama and a moral appropriate for tweens and preteens. It was very enjoyable.
November 7, 2016
This book takes place in the late 1940s, and people are still feeling the effects of The Great War (World War II). Jerry and his mother are some of those people. His father had been killed during the war, leaving him with anger issues, and his mother seems to have gone loony. Jerry becomes friends with a highly eccentric man, Wilcox, he calls The WonderWorker, who lives in the junk yard. When Jerry tells Wilcox about his family situation and how he wants to be the "man of the house", Wilcox gives him "magical" items to sell to his friends. When the magic turns out to not work, Jerry must do some work to get back all the money he had already spent on the sodas, floats, and chocolate bars he had already bought.
This book is perfect for the 8-12 year old age group. I feel that it could help those that are struggling with the lost of a parents, or those in low socioeconomic situations, to know that there are those around you that can help, but you must also stay true to yourself at all times. There are religious undertones in the book, by talking about the higher self and g-d.
Thank you for writing this book W.W. Rowe!
I was given an electronic copy of this book for free by Larson Publications and NetGalley to give an honest opinion.
This book is perfect for the 8-12 year old age group. I feel that it could help those that are struggling with the lost of a parents, or those in low socioeconomic situations, to know that there are those around you that can help, but you must also stay true to yourself at all times. There are religious undertones in the book, by talking about the higher self and g-d.
Thank you for writing this book W.W. Rowe!
I was given an electronic copy of this book for free by Larson Publications and NetGalley to give an honest opinion.
March 18, 2015
Jerry is getting things from an old but curiously strange man who lived in a make-shift house near the dump. Many of the things contain magic, or so Jerry believes. Jerry lives with his mother nearby, after the sudden death of his father, who was shot during WWII. Money is tight for the family, and Jerry hopes to bring in some money by selling his “magic” things. However, as is often the case things do not go the way Jerry hopes they will. This is a book about believing, about understanding what is real, about learning to live with oneself after a major loss such as Jerry’s father’s death. It is also about a mother’s love for her son and her hope he will earn to accept and live with his loss. The story could well become a must-read, classic for this day and age. It definitely appeals to readers of all ages. The writing is well done. The characters are well developed. I was immediately pulled in by this simple but fantastic story, and the book kept me reading until the last page. I think al readers would enjoy this sweet story as well as learning from its simple message. If I could give it more than five stars, I would. I received this from NetGalley to read and review.
September 8, 2015
Jerry is 10 years old. His friend Monty has a lisp and is being bullied. His classmates think Monty is weird. Jerry tries to get his classmates to stop bullying him by talking and selling magic items. Jerry's magic items seem to work. His classmates -- the boys are waiting for a magic item that will let them see through walls. The boys get tired of waiting for this magical item and want their money back. Jerry has spent this money. Will Jerry be able to pay them back? Where will he get the money? Jerry goes to the Wonderworker who lives in a cardboard box by the dump. Can the Wonderworker help Jerry? Wonderworker will tell Jerry that h must get in touch with his "higher self."
Can Jerry do it? Will that get him the money he needs?
This story takes place in the 1950's. It is a quick paced drama. This is an excellent book that addresses the subject of being bullied, losing his father (to death) and how that affects Jerry.
Disclaimer: I received an arc of this book free from the author/publisher from Netgalley. I was not obliged to write a favorable review, or even any review at all. The opinions expressed are strictly my own.
Can Jerry do it? Will that get him the money he needs?
This story takes place in the 1950's. It is a quick paced drama. This is an excellent book that addresses the subject of being bullied, losing his father (to death) and how that affects Jerry.
Disclaimer: I received an arc of this book free from the author/publisher from Netgalley. I was not obliged to write a favorable review, or even any review at all. The opinions expressed are strictly my own.
July 22, 2015
Jerry is a 10 year old boy whose father died five years earlier during WWII. Jerry has become friends with a homeless man by the name of Wilcox. He gives Jerry items and tells him they are magic. Jerry charges his schoolmates to use the magic items. Unfortunately this gets Jerry into a little trouble and he has to figure out a way to get some money to pay back what he already spent. Wilcox gives him `The Money Doubler`to use, but he needs to keep it a secret. While sneaking out of the house, his mother hears noises and thinks it is the ghost of his father come home. Wilcox has told Jerry that the Money Doubler will only work if he has pure thoughts and listens to his higher power. This is where the book might confuse younger children. They story is cute and there is definitely a message to be learned, but it will depend upon the age of the reader as to whether they understand it.
Netgalley and Larson Publications provided me with a copy of this book to read and review.
Netgalley and Larson Publications provided me with a copy of this book to read and review.
July 16, 2015
This is a good book, especially for reluctant readers and those still being read too. It is the first of the Jerry's Magic series. Jerry Shore is ten years old, and since he lost his dad in the Great war, WWII, five years earlier, he has been learning to be the man of the house. To help him with this and some anger issues, The Wondermaker, Wilcox, a homeless man in the area has been giving Jerry magic items and teaching him the Look, which can put people under your power, but only if your intentions are good.
This is a great book, it is a wonderful story while at the same time teach some awesome life lessons without it being so, in your face, toward the reader. Some things are a little dated since the book is set in the 50's but maybe kids would enjoy learning and hearing about radio broadcasts and kid superheroes from their grandpa's time.
This is a great book, it is a wonderful story while at the same time teach some awesome life lessons without it being so, in your face, toward the reader. Some things are a little dated since the book is set in the 50's but maybe kids would enjoy learning and hearing about radio broadcasts and kid superheroes from their grandpa's time.
March 18, 2015
Jerry believes he has been given magic by a wise person who lives in a cardboard box near the dump. What is his magic? He tells kids he can do magic and gives them a hard stare and they back off – sometimes.
He has sold some of his classmates a chance to look through a cardboard tube that supposedly will see right through walls – like the girls’ bathroom. Does it work? Well….not yet.
He rents a magic bowl that will stop nightmares with a few magic words….does it work? Well….
And he had been given a magic cigar box and if he leaves it at midnight, beneath a nearby pine tree, it will double the money in it. Does it work?
But the real magic is inside him and inside each of us. What is it? You’ll have to read this fast moving, tender and very wise short novel to find out!
He has sold some of his classmates a chance to look through a cardboard tube that supposedly will see right through walls – like the girls’ bathroom. Does it work? Well….not yet.
He rents a magic bowl that will stop nightmares with a few magic words….does it work? Well….
And he had been given a magic cigar box and if he leaves it at midnight, beneath a nearby pine tree, it will double the money in it. Does it work?
But the real magic is inside him and inside each of us. What is it? You’ll have to read this fast moving, tender and very wise short novel to find out!
January 2, 2017
This is a cute coming-of-age book for a boy between 8-12 years old, I'd say. Jerry learns about agency to choose between good or less-good things and about the responsibility that comes with power and choices. I was really irritated by descriptions of his mother's words and actions, but that got cleared up by the end. Also, this book was almost a fantasy, but not quite mystical enough to really move out of fiction. Too many things (like anything to do with the bank) were just too unrealistic for the otherwise real world feel of most events in the story. It reminded me a bit of The Adventures of Tom Sawyer without getting around to any adventures. I'll keep reading the series, but it just hasn't grabbed or enchanted me like many children's books have.
March 25, 2015
Magic is a powerful thing if you believe in it. Troubled by the loss of his father in the war a young boy tries to sell magical items to his friends. He soon learns the hard way however that the true magic is within himself. He only needs to look to his higher self to find it. This story as a good moral and the characters are likeable. I liked the batty mother and the mystic homeless man. The only issue I had with this book was it felt a bit rushed it seemed to come into the story in the middle and it was a very quick read. I would recommend this book to younger children who like magic as a great way to learn about finding the magic in them to do good for others.
April 1, 2015
Given To Me For An Honest Review
Jerry's Magic by W.W. Rowe is a great read for ages 9 - 12. It's a quick read but it's a big story. It makes a good read aloud, read alone or even a group read. Jerry receives the ability to use some magic. But is he using it to swindling his friends or learning about ethnics, character or his higher self? He does learn that this is a great way to learn how to do good for others. Within this story you will find great discussions on magic, death of a parent, lying, con artists, honest and homeless people. I recommend this book to everyone. I look for more from W.W. Rowe.
Jerry's Magic by W.W. Rowe is a great read for ages 9 - 12. It's a quick read but it's a big story. It makes a good read aloud, read alone or even a group read. Jerry receives the ability to use some magic. But is he using it to swindling his friends or learning about ethnics, character or his higher self? He does learn that this is a great way to learn how to do good for others. Within this story you will find great discussions on magic, death of a parent, lying, con artists, honest and homeless people. I recommend this book to everyone. I look for more from W.W. Rowe.
March 19, 2015
Thanks to NetGalley for a free copy of this book for review.
Unfortunately, I don't have much good to say about it. Jerry is very cute, but this story lacks conflict. The bad things that do happen to him are not presented in a way to account for his growth. And for a book aimed at probably 3rd graders, I don't believe a discussion of meditating and "higher self" will be well received. It's a nice concept, but just doesn't hit the mark. I give it 2 stars instead of one because I like the characters.
Unfortunately, I don't have much good to say about it. Jerry is very cute, but this story lacks conflict. The bad things that do happen to him are not presented in a way to account for his growth. And for a book aimed at probably 3rd graders, I don't believe a discussion of meditating and "higher self" will be well received. It's a nice concept, but just doesn't hit the mark. I give it 2 stars instead of one because I like the characters.
April 3, 2015
Jerry and his mom struggle to get by after his father is killed in the war. Jerry struggles a lot to do the right things, and often makes poor choices. I hoped this book would be about redemption, and in a way it it. You want to like Jerry, but his likability is questionable. He admits that he swindles people out of money because he wants comic books and strawberry sodas. There is little redemption even though Jerry tries to say the right words. I didn't buy the sincerity of this character. This is not a book that I will buy for my library.
October 9, 2016
This book didn't work for me, and I'm sure my children, ages 9 and 11, would not enjoy it. There is not enough magic, even sleight of hand, in the storyline. The magic that sites exist is not age appropriate (a device that looks through walls could be perceived as perverted). The child, a 10 year old boy, has a mom who makes corny jokes and doesn't seem super confident in her sanity or in her parenting skills. He learns from a friend about his higher self, etc. strange, and not in a good way. :-)
September 24, 2016
A historical fiction story set in the late '40’s, JERRY’S MAGIC doesn’t really manage to successfully conjure the time period. While the magical portion of the story would appeal to the 8-12 year-olds the book is targeting, the religious overtones (Higher Self, making amends, etc.) doesn’t seem to blend smoothly with the story and may be difficult for some to grasp. So it was just an “okay” read for me. (My thanks to NetGalley for providing me with a copy in exchange for my opinion.)
October 13, 2015
Not sure what age child I would give this to. A child old enough to understand the irony and foolhardiness of the "magic" would find the plot silly. While the child who would enjoy the plot would be blindsided by the cruelty or greediness of the main characters' behaviors. I also found the writing level equally off, again too high for the right age child to enjoy.
March 16, 2015
I would recommend this book for kids in grades 5 and up. The characters are both life-like and silly enough to appeal to this age group. There is also a strong message of right versus wrong that should appeal to parents.
March 17, 2015
Jerry is a ten year old boy who's father was killed during the war. His mother makes jokes to try to help him cope with their poverty and his father's death. Jerry tries to use magic and con games to get money. He eventually decides to use his powers for good. Did not love this one.
March 17, 2015
The story is good, there are some religious themes throughout. I would recommend this as a juvenile inspiration.
I got this copy at www.NetGally.com
I got this copy at www.NetGally.com
February 4, 2017
I was really disappointed. I had expected it to be a fun book but actually I mainly found it very boring. The mother was particularly irritating & Jerry wasn't likeable.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews