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Hocus Pocus: Junior Novelization
Max, his sister, a friend, and a talking cat must stop three witches
103 pages, Paperback
First published May 28, 1993
3 people are currently reading
140 people want to read
About the author
Todd Strasser
221 books796 followersTodd Strasser is an American author of more than 130 novels for adults, young-adults, and middle graders.
His most recent novel is Summer of '69
Booklist review: "Drugs, sex, and rock 'n' roll, those hallmarks of the summer of 1969, are all here, but there's so much more. In this loosely autobiographical novel, Strasser introduces 18-year-old Lucas, who is bright and sensitive but also a screw up…. The picture painted of the Woodstock music festival shows the dark side of peace and love, and the prevalence of drugs is on almost every page…The best part of the book, however, is the one that transcends eras: Lucas' introspection as he contemplates his place in the world."
Kirkus review: "Strasser perfectly captures the golden haze of youth and life on the cusp of adulthood. Readers fascinated with this time period will find much to enjoy... Vietnam, Woodstock, road trips, and acid trips: a sweetly bittersweet, surprising, even melancholy bildungsroman set against a world in flux. Groovy, man."
His most recent young adult novel is Price of Duty:
2018 New York Public Library Best Book for Teens
“Compact and suspenseful, the novel raises important questions about war.” – Kirkus
“This thought-provoking book is both welcome and imperative.” – Booklist * (starred review).
"Rather than attempting to sway the reader, it offers awareness." - VOYA
“Tightly wound and compelling ... appropriate for an older middle school and high school audience. VERDICT: Highly recommended.” – School Library Journal
Bio: Todd was born in New York City. When he was young his parents moved to Roslyn Heights, New York (Long Island). Todd went to the I.U. Willets Elementary school and then attended the Wheatley School for junior high and high school. His best subjects were math and science. He also liked to read, but he had trouble with spelling and grammar, and didn't do well in English. His favorite sports were tennis, skiing and fishing. Todd went to college at New York University for a few years, and then dropped out. He lived on a commune, then lived in Europe where he was a street musician.
All the while, Todd wrote songs and poems and lots of letters to his friends back home. Finally he decided to try being a writer. He returned to the United States and went to Beloit College where he studied literature and writing.
After college, Todd worked at the Middletown Times Herald-Record newspaper in Middletown, New York, and later at Compton Advertising in New York City. In 1978, Todd sold his first novel, Angel Dust Blues. He used the money to start the Dr. Wing Tip Shoo fortune cookie company. For the next 12 years, Todd sold more fortune cookies than books.
Todd now divides his time between writing books and speaking at schools and conferences. When he's at home, he likes to spend time with his children and dog, Cooper. He still likes to play tennis and ski, but his favorite new sport is surfing.
His most recent novel is Summer of '69
Booklist review: "Drugs, sex, and rock 'n' roll, those hallmarks of the summer of 1969, are all here, but there's so much more. In this loosely autobiographical novel, Strasser introduces 18-year-old Lucas, who is bright and sensitive but also a screw up…. The picture painted of the Woodstock music festival shows the dark side of peace and love, and the prevalence of drugs is on almost every page…The best part of the book, however, is the one that transcends eras: Lucas' introspection as he contemplates his place in the world."
Kirkus review: "Strasser perfectly captures the golden haze of youth and life on the cusp of adulthood. Readers fascinated with this time period will find much to enjoy... Vietnam, Woodstock, road trips, and acid trips: a sweetly bittersweet, surprising, even melancholy bildungsroman set against a world in flux. Groovy, man."
His most recent young adult novel is Price of Duty:
2018 New York Public Library Best Book for Teens
“Compact and suspenseful, the novel raises important questions about war.” – Kirkus
“This thought-provoking book is both welcome and imperative.” – Booklist * (starred review).
"Rather than attempting to sway the reader, it offers awareness." - VOYA
“Tightly wound and compelling ... appropriate for an older middle school and high school audience. VERDICT: Highly recommended.” – School Library Journal
Bio: Todd was born in New York City. When he was young his parents moved to Roslyn Heights, New York (Long Island). Todd went to the I.U. Willets Elementary school and then attended the Wheatley School for junior high and high school. His best subjects were math and science. He also liked to read, but he had trouble with spelling and grammar, and didn't do well in English. His favorite sports were tennis, skiing and fishing. Todd went to college at New York University for a few years, and then dropped out. He lived on a commune, then lived in Europe where he was a street musician.
All the while, Todd wrote songs and poems and lots of letters to his friends back home. Finally he decided to try being a writer. He returned to the United States and went to Beloit College where he studied literature and writing.
After college, Todd worked at the Middletown Times Herald-Record newspaper in Middletown, New York, and later at Compton Advertising in New York City. In 1978, Todd sold his first novel, Angel Dust Blues. He used the money to start the Dr. Wing Tip Shoo fortune cookie company. For the next 12 years, Todd sold more fortune cookies than books.
Todd now divides his time between writing books and speaking at schools and conferences. When he's at home, he likes to spend time with his children and dog, Cooper. He still likes to play tennis and ski, but his favorite new sport is surfing.
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
June 17, 2018
It took a lot of searching to get my hands on this book, and I was very glad I did! While it’s not spot on to the film, and featuring a few mistakes in character descriptions, it has a bunch of amazing little plot details scattered throughout that only served to enrich the story.... I think it was bits and pieces from the original screenplay. I almost have to wonder if the novelization was completed before the final draft of the film script.
The only downside was the fact that there wasn’t any chapters told from the Sanderson Sister’s perspective, it’s all from Max’s. Still a great and rare addition to any Hocus Pocus fan’s collection!
The only downside was the fact that there wasn’t any chapters told from the Sanderson Sister’s perspective, it’s all from Max’s. Still a great and rare addition to any Hocus Pocus fan’s collection!
February 7, 2023
For Halloween this year, I saved reading this novelization of this Disney classic. It is indeed a novelization of the film, but there are many differences; the differences do not ruin it (although Mary's new belch was different O_o). It's interesting how this book looks like it would be nearly 180 pages when it is only a little over a hundred.
At the end of pg 69 and at the start of pg 70, Todd Strasser unfortunately committed the cardinal sin of mentioning that a song was sung, but neglected to mention the lyrics. Other than that, though, no complaints. :-P
At the end of pg 69 and at the start of pg 70, Todd Strasser unfortunately committed the cardinal sin of mentioning that a song was sung, but neglected to mention the lyrics. Other than that, though, no complaints. :-P
June 27, 2018
A super rare and fun find! I still can't believe I was able to get my hands on this at my second hand bookstore.
There are a few major plot, scene and dialogue differences to this novelization compared to the movie, which almost begs the question of what came first: the movie or the book? Is this supposed to be an early draft script instead of a true novelization? I guess we'll never know. Some character descriptions were also wrong here and there. But overall a fantastic, short little read for any Hocus Pocus fan, and if you can get your hands on it I highly suggest you do.
There are a few major plot, scene and dialogue differences to this novelization compared to the movie, which almost begs the question of what came first: the movie or the book? Is this supposed to be an early draft script instead of a true novelization? I guess we'll never know. Some character descriptions were also wrong here and there. But overall a fantastic, short little read for any Hocus Pocus fan, and if you can get your hands on it I highly suggest you do.
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July 10, 2022Has anyone got this they are willing to now sell on as I'm dying to read this x
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews