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A Method for Magic and Misfortune
A boy discovers magic -- along with a hidden darkness -- in his town in this propulsive and heartfelt middle grade novel by Craig Kofi Farmer, author of Kwame Crashes the Underworld.
12-year-old Marcus Pennrider feels far from magical. He's trying his best to balance school, a part-time job, and familial responsibilities that include looking after his little sister. On top of that, he’s settling into living with his aunt in the vibrant city of Grand Park, after healing from his experience with his abusive father.
When Marcus discovers a secret magic flows through the streets of Grand Park, everything seems to start changing for the better. Even Mr. O, the local corner shop owner and beloved leader in the community, takes Marcus under his wing to teach him how to use magic. Maybe if Marcus becomes a Divinator, he can prove to the world that he's not just a burden -- that he's nothing like his father.
But as Marcus strays farther from his family and into the strange world of Divination magic, he becomes entrenched in a rigorous magical training program and increasingly dangerous relationship with Mr. O. It'll be up to Marcus to discover who his true family is, and that perhaps the real magic of Grand Park might lie in something much closer to home.
12-year-old Marcus Pennrider feels far from magical. He's trying his best to balance school, a part-time job, and familial responsibilities that include looking after his little sister. On top of that, he’s settling into living with his aunt in the vibrant city of Grand Park, after healing from his experience with his abusive father.
When Marcus discovers a secret magic flows through the streets of Grand Park, everything seems to start changing for the better. Even Mr. O, the local corner shop owner and beloved leader in the community, takes Marcus under his wing to teach him how to use magic. Maybe if Marcus becomes a Divinator, he can prove to the world that he's not just a burden -- that he's nothing like his father.
But as Marcus strays farther from his family and into the strange world of Divination magic, he becomes entrenched in a rigorous magical training program and increasingly dangerous relationship with Mr. O. It'll be up to Marcus to discover who his true family is, and that perhaps the real magic of Grand Park might lie in something much closer to home.
- GenresFantasyMiddle GradeAbuse
368 pages, Hardcover
First published September 9, 2025
8 people are currently reading
128 people want to read
About the author
Craig Kofi Farmer
2 books40 followersCraig Kofi Farmer is the Coretta Scott King John Steptoe New Talent Award-winning author of the middle grade novels Kwame Crashes the Underworld and A Method for Magic and Misfortune. Craig grew up in Prince George's County, went to Towson University for his Bachelor of Science degrees, and earned a Master of Education degree from the University of Maryland, College Park. He currently works in student affairs, helping college students achieve work-life balance and self-actualization. When he's not writing or working, he's exploring Baltimore City, analyzing superhero movies, watching psychological thrillers, and deciding exactly what he's going to eat that day.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
September 8, 2025
We follow 12-year-old Marcus as he discovers latent magic capabilities. He lives with his little sister Ariana and their Aunt Donna in the community of Grand Park. We learn that mom has passed away and they were removed from the home of an abusive father. Due to these circumstances, Marcus is very much a people pleaser. He goes out of his way to help his aunt, one of their neighbors Brian who owns a restaurant, and the community at large. After discovering his magic abilities, Marcus gets the chance to work closely and learn from his idol, Mr. O who owns the corner store and is a pillar of the community. He soon learns that Mr O may not be who he seems and that a sense of community does wonders for everyone.
I thought the magic was super interesting. I liked that Marcus and Jade begin to work through their animosities. The story was a little heavier than I had anticipated, but I felt like the topics were handled with care and in a way that the children this book is meant for would understand.
*Thank you to Roaring Brook Press, Publishers Weekly, and NetGalley for the eARC. All thoughts are my own.*
P.S. Maryland mention!
I thought the magic was super interesting. I liked that Marcus and Jade begin to work through their animosities. The story was a little heavier than I had anticipated, but I felt like the topics were handled with care and in a way that the children this book is meant for would understand.
*Thank you to Roaring Brook Press, Publishers Weekly, and NetGalley for the eARC. All thoughts are my own.*
P.S. Maryland mention!
October 30, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It's rare that I give a written review or 5 stars. This book has some very good learning points thrown in. The best ones are don't judge until you know a person's story and believe in yourself no matter one. I really hope this book has a part two. I listened to the audiobook on Libby and I really enjoyed the narrator. I might purchase the physical book for my son.
July 24, 2025
Another excellent Craig Kofi Farmer novel! I hope he keeps writing for a long time.
May 8, 2025
I extend my gratitude to Craig Kofi Farmer, Roaring Brook Press, and NetGalley for providing an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
The characters in this narrative are semi-developed, yet they possess compelling character arcs that resonate with readers. Marcus, for instance, serves as a pivotal figure who teaches young audiences invaluable lessons about trust and the importance of relationships. He embodies the idea that family can be defined not just by blood ties but also by the bonds we choose to forge with others. Through his journey, readers are encouraged to reflect on their own lives and consider the significance of the connections they cultivate. Additionally, Marcus's pursuit of his dreams—specifically, the aspiration to help others—illustrates the challenges that accompany such noble intentions. The narrative emphasizes that the path to realizing one's dreams is often fraught with obstacles, but it is precisely these ups and downs that shape our identities and fortify our resilience. Jade, another central character, poignantly captures the complex emotions of loss, loneliness, and guilt. Her experiences shed light on how these feelings can heavily influence our decisions and interactions with both ourselves and others. The story delves into the psychological impact of allowing negative emotions to dictate our actions, serving as a cautionary tale about the importance of emotional awareness and self-care. Through Jade's struggles, readers gain insight into the necessity of confronting and processing our feelings rather than allowing them to control our lives. On the darker side of the narrative, Mr. O emerges as a well-crafted villain. His treatment of others is designed to evoke a strong emotional response from readers, leaving them frustrated and upset. However, the narrative cleverly reminds us that every villain possesses a backstory that explains their descent into villainy. This nuanced portrayal encourages readers to consider the complexities of human behavior and the circumstances that lead individuals down a dark path, fostering a deeper understanding of morality and empathy. The settings throughout the story are meticulously crafted, effectively mirroring the moods and actions of the characters. Each environment is described in vivid detail, enhancing the reader's immersion in the narrative. The writing style is generally strong and descriptive, though there are moments where the direction of the plot seems somewhat unclear. This ambiguity may be intentional, reflecting the internal confusion some characters experience, thus adding another layer of depth to the storytelling. While the plot is engaging and ultimately wraps up in a satisfying manner, it does suffer from a slower pace at times. The frequent introduction of magical elements may leave some readers feeling bewildered or disengaged, as they navigate through the various magical casts and their implications. Nevertheless, the overarching story arc and character development culminate in a magical contemporary ending that resonates with the themes of growth and transformation. One critique I have is that the resolution of the story feels somewhat rushed. Some consequences of the characters' actions appear to be addressed inadequately or not at all, which may leave readers longing for a more thorough exploration of these outcomes. However, considering this is a middle-grade novel, younger readers may not be as affected by these shortcomings as older audiences might be. It is important to note that the story includes references to verbal and physical abuse towards children, which could be triggering for some readers. The treatment of this sensitive topic is handled thoughtfully, as the narrative explores how abuse can begin and be perpetuated, while also providing insights into seeking help and breaking the cycle. Despite my three-star rating of the book, I firmly believe that young readers, particularly those who have a fondness for magic and divination, will find enjoyment and value in this story, as it weaves together themes of friendship, resilience, and the journey toward self-discovery.
The characters in this narrative are semi-developed, yet they possess compelling character arcs that resonate with readers. Marcus, for instance, serves as a pivotal figure who teaches young audiences invaluable lessons about trust and the importance of relationships. He embodies the idea that family can be defined not just by blood ties but also by the bonds we choose to forge with others. Through his journey, readers are encouraged to reflect on their own lives and consider the significance of the connections they cultivate. Additionally, Marcus's pursuit of his dreams—specifically, the aspiration to help others—illustrates the challenges that accompany such noble intentions. The narrative emphasizes that the path to realizing one's dreams is often fraught with obstacles, but it is precisely these ups and downs that shape our identities and fortify our resilience. Jade, another central character, poignantly captures the complex emotions of loss, loneliness, and guilt. Her experiences shed light on how these feelings can heavily influence our decisions and interactions with both ourselves and others. The story delves into the psychological impact of allowing negative emotions to dictate our actions, serving as a cautionary tale about the importance of emotional awareness and self-care. Through Jade's struggles, readers gain insight into the necessity of confronting and processing our feelings rather than allowing them to control our lives. On the darker side of the narrative, Mr. O emerges as a well-crafted villain. His treatment of others is designed to evoke a strong emotional response from readers, leaving them frustrated and upset. However, the narrative cleverly reminds us that every villain possesses a backstory that explains their descent into villainy. This nuanced portrayal encourages readers to consider the complexities of human behavior and the circumstances that lead individuals down a dark path, fostering a deeper understanding of morality and empathy. The settings throughout the story are meticulously crafted, effectively mirroring the moods and actions of the characters. Each environment is described in vivid detail, enhancing the reader's immersion in the narrative. The writing style is generally strong and descriptive, though there are moments where the direction of the plot seems somewhat unclear. This ambiguity may be intentional, reflecting the internal confusion some characters experience, thus adding another layer of depth to the storytelling. While the plot is engaging and ultimately wraps up in a satisfying manner, it does suffer from a slower pace at times. The frequent introduction of magical elements may leave some readers feeling bewildered or disengaged, as they navigate through the various magical casts and their implications. Nevertheless, the overarching story arc and character development culminate in a magical contemporary ending that resonates with the themes of growth and transformation. One critique I have is that the resolution of the story feels somewhat rushed. Some consequences of the characters' actions appear to be addressed inadequately or not at all, which may leave readers longing for a more thorough exploration of these outcomes. However, considering this is a middle-grade novel, younger readers may not be as affected by these shortcomings as older audiences might be. It is important to note that the story includes references to verbal and physical abuse towards children, which could be triggering for some readers. The treatment of this sensitive topic is handled thoughtfully, as the narrative explores how abuse can begin and be perpetuated, while also providing insights into seeking help and breaking the cycle. Despite my three-star rating of the book, I firmly believe that young readers, particularly those who have a fondness for magic and divination, will find enjoyment and value in this story, as it weaves together themes of friendship, resilience, and the journey toward self-discovery.
March 18, 2025
E ARC provided by Netgalley
Marcus Pennrider and his younger sister Arianna are living with their Aunt Donna after being removed from their abusive father's custody. This was made possible by Mr. O., who runs the Orisha Corner Store in their close knit Grand Park neighborhood. Mr. O. kept records of injuries incurred by the children, and reported the father to child protective services. Marcus is keenly aware of his aunt's sacrifices in taking care of him, and tries to help out around the house and volunteers at Brian's Sole Food restaurant as a delivery boy, helping the community get Brian's food, which is all priced at $1 per dish. When Marcus draws some magical symbols, they come to life and wreck the apartment while his aunt is out working her second job. He asks Mr. O. about it, and Mr. O. informs him that the two share Divinator powers. Mr. O. and his apprentice, Jade, clean up the apartment, and give Marcus Circe's Cast book, which proves to be a big distraction at school. When Marcus forgets to pick up Arianna and doesn't show up for work at Brian's so he can attend training sessions with Mr. O., his aunt grounds him. Mr. O. claims that Marcus' aunt doesn't want to have him around, so Marcus stays with Mr. O. and Jade to make sure that his Divinator powers are properly trained, but when it turns out that the aunt is looking for him, Mr. O. whisks him away to a Divinator conference. Everyone seems to not quite trust Mr. O., and Marcus is warned repeatedly about this fact, but still stays with his mentor. When Mr. O. hits him, however, he has a heart to heart with Jade. Is being trained by Mr. O. the best way to control his powers and help his community?
Strengths: Books about tweens discovering magical powers are always a big hit, and the details about how these powers are trained are essential to readers' enjoyment. Grand Park is a fascinating community, and the background about Marcus' magic is developed well. I loved the Sole Food restaurant! It's great that Marcus has a good relationship with his younger sister and normally takes good care of her; I wish we would see more of this in middle grade literature. Mr. O. saved Marcus from an abusive father, so it makes sense that he trusts the older man even when everyone around him says not to. It was good to see that once physical abuse started, he was willing to walk away, even though it meant leaving Jade.
Weaknesses: I didn't like this one personally, since I could tell right away that something was deeply creepy about Mr. O., and that he was essentially grooming Marcus. The fact that Marcus couldn't see that is no doubt a completely accurate portrayal of a tween who has escaped abuse, but troubled me the whole time I was reading. Younger readers will not necessarily feel this way.
What I really think: This is a good choice for readers who enjoyed Farmer's Kwame Crashes the Underworld or other books that involve tweens finding out they have magical powers like Dumas' Wildseed Witch or Leathley's Meticulous Jones and the Skull Tattoo (Inkbound #1).
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Marcus Pennrider and his younger sister Arianna are living with their Aunt Donna after being removed from their abusive father's custody. This was made possible by Mr. O., who runs the Orisha Corner Store in their close knit Grand Park neighborhood. Mr. O. kept records of injuries incurred by the children, and reported the father to child protective services. Marcus is keenly aware of his aunt's sacrifices in taking care of him, and tries to help out around the house and volunteers at Brian's Sole Food restaurant as a delivery boy, helping the community get Brian's food, which is all priced at $1 per dish. When Marcus draws some magical symbols, they come to life and wreck the apartment while his aunt is out working her second job. He asks Mr. O. about it, and Mr. O. informs him that the two share Divinator powers. Mr. O. and his apprentice, Jade, clean up the apartment, and give Marcus Circe's Cast book, which proves to be a big distraction at school. When Marcus forgets to pick up Arianna and doesn't show up for work at Brian's so he can attend training sessions with Mr. O., his aunt grounds him. Mr. O. claims that Marcus' aunt doesn't want to have him around, so Marcus stays with Mr. O. and Jade to make sure that his Divinator powers are properly trained, but when it turns out that the aunt is looking for him, Mr. O. whisks him away to a Divinator conference. Everyone seems to not quite trust Mr. O., and Marcus is warned repeatedly about this fact, but still stays with his mentor. When Mr. O. hits him, however, he has a heart to heart with Jade. Is being trained by Mr. O. the best way to control his powers and help his community?
Strengths: Books about tweens discovering magical powers are always a big hit, and the details about how these powers are trained are essential to readers' enjoyment. Grand Park is a fascinating community, and the background about Marcus' magic is developed well. I loved the Sole Food restaurant! It's great that Marcus has a good relationship with his younger sister and normally takes good care of her; I wish we would see more of this in middle grade literature. Mr. O. saved Marcus from an abusive father, so it makes sense that he trusts the older man even when everyone around him says not to. It was good to see that once physical abuse started, he was willing to walk away, even though it meant leaving Jade.
Weaknesses: I didn't like this one personally, since I could tell right away that something was deeply creepy about Mr. O., and that he was essentially grooming Marcus. The fact that Marcus couldn't see that is no doubt a completely accurate portrayal of a tween who has escaped abuse, but troubled me the whole time I was reading. Younger readers will not necessarily feel this way.
What I really think: This is a good choice for readers who enjoyed Farmer's Kwame Crashes the Underworld or other books that involve tweens finding out they have magical powers like Dumas' Wildseed Witch or Leathley's Meticulous Jones and the Skull Tattoo (Inkbound #1).
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September 7, 2025Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy
A Method for Magic and Misfortune by Craig Kofi Farmer is a first person-POV middle grade contemporary fantasy. Twelve-year-old Marcus lives with his aunt and younger sister and spends most of his days trying to scrounge up cash by working at one of the local corner stores, helping raise his sister, and school work. He struggles to really connect to the community he lives in but deeply desires to help it any way he can. When Mr. O, who runs one of the neighborhood’s corner stores and is deeply beloved, offers to teach Marcus magic and the true meaning of community, Marcus jumps at the change and in the process, learns that people use nice-sounding words to hide their real intentions.
One of the themes that is really prevalent towards the beginning is the true meaning of collectivism and community. We see that the community is just that, a community, with lots of events for everyone to participate in, but Marcus is kind of off to the side and is more watching everyone. When Mr. O starts talking about collectivism and how he wants to help the neighborhood be the absolute best it can be, it does resonate with Marcus very strongly and makes him feel like he’ll make a difference. But it’s not Mr. O who shows Marcus and the reader the true meaning of community. It’s the other people in the neighborhood who do good things without looking for a reward or recognition.
Abuse is another theme that comes up and the impact of it. Marcus is interested in art, something that his aunt supports but his father never did. We see Marcus feeling trapped and struggling to break free of Mr. O and part of that is the scars left behind by his father and the other part is Mr. O lying to Marcus to keep him under control. It’s heavy and some scenes might really resonate with young readers coming to terms with their abuse and it might be triggering for others. I do suggest that guardians be open to having conversations with young readers if they read this book because it can be a lot to process when they see a character who says all the right things ending up being emotionally and physically abusive. It also gets more complicated with Jade, another apprentice of Mr. O’s who believes that she deserves whatever is coming her way while she’s under his tutelage because he took her in.
The magic system is referred to as Divination and involves practitioners drawing illustrations in order to wield it, with every Divinator having something called a touchstone, an ability that came from the gods centuries ago. There’s water magic, magic to control others, the ability to multiply money, and more. The system is very appealing to Marcus, and many young people, because not only does it allow him to draw in order to create, but the idea of making more money from nothing is extremely eye-catching and highly desirable.
Content warning for depictions of emotional, psychological, and physical abuse
I would recommend this to young readers of fantasy who like more mature themes and young readers who are ready to start diving into what abuse looks like and how abusers hide in plain sight and how nobody can ever be one hundred percent sure someone has their best interests at heart
A Method for Magic and Misfortune by Craig Kofi Farmer is a first person-POV middle grade contemporary fantasy. Twelve-year-old Marcus lives with his aunt and younger sister and spends most of his days trying to scrounge up cash by working at one of the local corner stores, helping raise his sister, and school work. He struggles to really connect to the community he lives in but deeply desires to help it any way he can. When Mr. O, who runs one of the neighborhood’s corner stores and is deeply beloved, offers to teach Marcus magic and the true meaning of community, Marcus jumps at the change and in the process, learns that people use nice-sounding words to hide their real intentions.
One of the themes that is really prevalent towards the beginning is the true meaning of collectivism and community. We see that the community is just that, a community, with lots of events for everyone to participate in, but Marcus is kind of off to the side and is more watching everyone. When Mr. O starts talking about collectivism and how he wants to help the neighborhood be the absolute best it can be, it does resonate with Marcus very strongly and makes him feel like he’ll make a difference. But it’s not Mr. O who shows Marcus and the reader the true meaning of community. It’s the other people in the neighborhood who do good things without looking for a reward or recognition.
Abuse is another theme that comes up and the impact of it. Marcus is interested in art, something that his aunt supports but his father never did. We see Marcus feeling trapped and struggling to break free of Mr. O and part of that is the scars left behind by his father and the other part is Mr. O lying to Marcus to keep him under control. It’s heavy and some scenes might really resonate with young readers coming to terms with their abuse and it might be triggering for others. I do suggest that guardians be open to having conversations with young readers if they read this book because it can be a lot to process when they see a character who says all the right things ending up being emotionally and physically abusive. It also gets more complicated with Jade, another apprentice of Mr. O’s who believes that she deserves whatever is coming her way while she’s under his tutelage because he took her in.
The magic system is referred to as Divination and involves practitioners drawing illustrations in order to wield it, with every Divinator having something called a touchstone, an ability that came from the gods centuries ago. There’s water magic, magic to control others, the ability to multiply money, and more. The system is very appealing to Marcus, and many young people, because not only does it allow him to draw in order to create, but the idea of making more money from nothing is extremely eye-catching and highly desirable.
Content warning for depictions of emotional, psychological, and physical abuse
I would recommend this to young readers of fantasy who like more mature themes and young readers who are ready to start diving into what abuse looks like and how abusers hide in plain sight and how nobody can ever be one hundred percent sure someone has their best interests at heart
August 24, 2025
Wow! This book is a once in a lifetime book. It’s action packed and yet still full of love, family, and life lessons. Marcus is smart, responsible, and determined to help his family. This is a 12 year old who has already experienced so much trauma in his life. Trauma has a way of manifesting itself in different ways, with Marcus it shows in his need to seek validation from others and please people. Marcus’s experience with physical and emotional abuse at the hands of his father has left him afraid of becoming a burden.
Marcus discovers magic exists by accident and begins to learn more about his new power from his mentor Mr. O. who is like a father figure to Marcus. When Marcus’s dad was angry, Marcus would take his little sister Ariana and go to Mr. O’s corner store where they would stay until their dad came to get them and Mr. O would talk him down. At first things are going well with the training and he feels like he’s doing something that will help his family and his community but he soon learns that not everything is as it seems. He’s manipulated over and over and made to believe that his family doesn’t want him and has to make some tough decisions.
Marcus is a little damaged and lost in the beginning of this book but along the way he finds himself. He faces his past and learns what is really important to him. That broken part of him that believes he’s not good enough and a burden on his family heals and he finally tries to experience being a kid. His growth throughout this story was awesome to see. Sometimes we meet people that we believe only have our best interest at heart and by the time we realize how toxic the relationship is it’s too late but thankfully Marcus was able to overcome it. This book really healed a part of me I didn’t know was still broken and I’m so thankful I got to read it.
Thank you to MacKids Books and Craig Kofi Farmer for the gifted ARC.
Marcus discovers magic exists by accident and begins to learn more about his new power from his mentor Mr. O. who is like a father figure to Marcus. When Marcus’s dad was angry, Marcus would take his little sister Ariana and go to Mr. O’s corner store where they would stay until their dad came to get them and Mr. O would talk him down. At first things are going well with the training and he feels like he’s doing something that will help his family and his community but he soon learns that not everything is as it seems. He’s manipulated over and over and made to believe that his family doesn’t want him and has to make some tough decisions.
Marcus is a little damaged and lost in the beginning of this book but along the way he finds himself. He faces his past and learns what is really important to him. That broken part of him that believes he’s not good enough and a burden on his family heals and he finally tries to experience being a kid. His growth throughout this story was awesome to see. Sometimes we meet people that we believe only have our best interest at heart and by the time we realize how toxic the relationship is it’s too late but thankfully Marcus was able to overcome it. This book really healed a part of me I didn’t know was still broken and I’m so thankful I got to read it.
Thank you to MacKids Books and Craig Kofi Farmer for the gifted ARC.
October 3, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley & Macmillan Children's Publishing Group for the copy in exchange for an honest review.
What a fascinating book! It's a very thoughtful children's book with interesting characters. I like that the story was short and Farmer utilized the side characters well. It'a a kid's book so they won't be as fleshed out as we would like, but I thought Farmer did a great job in having everyone fill a role. Really, the story is about 3 core characters--the protagonist, his new magic friend, and the magic mentor. Everyone else filled in the blanks as best as they could.
It's definitely a darker urban fantasy but I like how grounded it is. Nothing crazy happened with magic and the rules weren't overly complicated which I appreciated. I loved the dynamic between Marcus and Mr. O and it was great to see it develop positively and negatively. Their conversations were very interesting throughout the book, to say the least...
One thing though--I feel like this title and cover doesn't suit the story. It makes it seem like it's a whimsical fantasy adventure when it's really not. It's more grounded than most children's fantasy and covers some dark topics==mostly focusing on the cycle of abuse. I feel like the publisher dropped the ball in advertising...did they even read the book? Lmao. If anything, they should've shown the protagonist drawing one of the magic symbols in the book as the cover. "Painting Magic" could've worked as a title. The current one makes it seem whimsical and light when it's not. Sadly, authors usually have no hand in the cover design so I don't blame him at all.
It's definitely a tougher read because Marcus makes so many mistakes that seem obvious to us as adults but I'm sure he'll be relatable to kids. He learned and grew from these mistakes and it sent a great message.
Still, a great read!
What a fascinating book! It's a very thoughtful children's book with interesting characters. I like that the story was short and Farmer utilized the side characters well. It'a a kid's book so they won't be as fleshed out as we would like, but I thought Farmer did a great job in having everyone fill a role. Really, the story is about 3 core characters--the protagonist, his new magic friend, and the magic mentor. Everyone else filled in the blanks as best as they could.
It's definitely a darker urban fantasy but I like how grounded it is. Nothing crazy happened with magic and the rules weren't overly complicated which I appreciated. I loved the dynamic between Marcus and Mr. O and it was great to see it develop positively and negatively. Their conversations were very interesting throughout the book, to say the least...
One thing though--I feel like this title and cover doesn't suit the story. It makes it seem like it's a whimsical fantasy adventure when it's really not. It's more grounded than most children's fantasy and covers some dark topics==mostly focusing on the cycle of abuse. I feel like the publisher dropped the ball in advertising...did they even read the book? Lmao. If anything, they should've shown the protagonist drawing one of the magic symbols in the book as the cover. "Painting Magic" could've worked as a title. The current one makes it seem whimsical and light when it's not. Sadly, authors usually have no hand in the cover design so I don't blame him at all.
It's definitely a tougher read because Marcus makes so many mistakes that seem obvious to us as adults but I'm sure he'll be relatable to kids. He learned and grew from these mistakes and it sent a great message.
Still, a great read!
September 7, 2025
Marcus has the weight of the world on his shoulders; from feeling like a burden to his aunt, who adopted him and his sister, to keeping a close eye on his sister, and trying to make his community a better place, he struggles to allow himself to be a child. But when he finds out that he has a form of magic, things begin to look up. He wants to better his life, to give his aunt and sister freedoms they've never had. A mentor takes him in, encouraging an intense study of Divination. The deeper Marcus gets into his studies, the more violent things get, and he starts to question everything he's been taught.
A Method for Magic and Misfortune is not just a middle-grade fantasy. It's a book about identity, community, and the meaning of family. I really enjoyed it! We're placed in an interesting city that's attempting to be a utopia, and following Marcus's POV was interesting. I occasionally had a hard time visualizing the story, as I felt that we were sometimes told what was going on rather than being shown, especially when it came to the illusions being drawn. It caused my interest to wane until something big happened again. However, I was rooting for Marcus the entire time and loved the themes surrounding found family and identity. If you like the middle-grade genre, I would still recommend this one!
3.5 out of 5 stars (rounded up to 4)!
CW for physical abuse, violence, injuries, blood, loss of loved one, emotional abuse.
Thanks so much to NetGalley and Macmillan Children's for the ARC of A Method for Magic and Misfortune by Craig Kofi Farmer.
A Method for Magic and Misfortune is not just a middle-grade fantasy. It's a book about identity, community, and the meaning of family. I really enjoyed it! We're placed in an interesting city that's attempting to be a utopia, and following Marcus's POV was interesting. I occasionally had a hard time visualizing the story, as I felt that we were sometimes told what was going on rather than being shown, especially when it came to the illusions being drawn. It caused my interest to wane until something big happened again. However, I was rooting for Marcus the entire time and loved the themes surrounding found family and identity. If you like the middle-grade genre, I would still recommend this one!
3.5 out of 5 stars (rounded up to 4)!
CW for physical abuse, violence, injuries, blood, loss of loved one, emotional abuse.
Thanks so much to NetGalley and Macmillan Children's for the ARC of A Method for Magic and Misfortune by Craig Kofi Farmer.
October 15, 2025
Marcus (and his little sister, Ariana) live with their aunt, Donna. Their mother is dead, killed in a car accident, and their father is abusive. Custody has been granted to Donna.
They live together in a place called Grand Park. There is Sole Food, run by Brian, where Marcus volunteers after school. There's the Orisha Corner store, owned by Mr. O, who is Marcus's father figure.
And there's magic.
When Marcus discovers he has the ability to make magic, he joins forces with Mr. O and Mr. O's apprentice, Jade, in a place known as the Coven (hidden beneath Orisha Corner Store). And it seems like an amazing thing. Until Marcus realizes to get better at the magic, he will need to give up everything in sacrifice to Divination - even if it means leaving behind his sister, his aunt, and Brian.
But what if Mr. O is as abusive as Marcus's father? Does he really need to stay then?
Written for middle age kids, this is an intriguing book. The magic system is quite interesting as every spell cast must be drawn beforehand and there are only so many known spells. When a magic user levels up, they become Divinators and have a touchstone - a spell specific to themselves that comes to them while they're working magic. I enjoyed the characters though at times I wished Marcus had a little bit more sense - though, I guess for a twelve year old, he probably had about the right amount of sense.
They live together in a place called Grand Park. There is Sole Food, run by Brian, where Marcus volunteers after school. There's the Orisha Corner store, owned by Mr. O, who is Marcus's father figure.
And there's magic.
When Marcus discovers he has the ability to make magic, he joins forces with Mr. O and Mr. O's apprentice, Jade, in a place known as the Coven (hidden beneath Orisha Corner Store). And it seems like an amazing thing. Until Marcus realizes to get better at the magic, he will need to give up everything in sacrifice to Divination - even if it means leaving behind his sister, his aunt, and Brian.
But what if Mr. O is as abusive as Marcus's father? Does he really need to stay then?
Written for middle age kids, this is an intriguing book. The magic system is quite interesting as every spell cast must be drawn beforehand and there are only so many known spells. When a magic user levels up, they become Divinators and have a touchstone - a spell specific to themselves that comes to them while they're working magic. I enjoyed the characters though at times I wished Marcus had a little bit more sense - though, I guess for a twelve year old, he probably had about the right amount of sense.
September 8, 2025
A Method for Magic and Misfortune by Craig Kofi Farmer is a unique, diverse, and engaging middle grade fantasy novel.
Marcus is doing everything he can to be helpful and as little of a burden as possible on his aunt, who took Marcus and his sister in from their abusive father. When Marcus discovers a magical power hidden within, he turns to Mr. O, the corner store owner, for answers. As Marcus embarks on a journey to master his newly found magic, he discovers that people aren’t always what they seem, and perhaps Mr. O isn’t the friendly, helpful neighbor Marcus has always believed him to be.
I really enjoyed A Method for Magic and Misfortune. Craig is an incredible storyteller and weaves a beautifully diverse cast of characters with a unique magic system to create something completely unexpected. There were a couple of times throughout the book that I was concerned the main character, Marcus, was not going to have any true character growth and development. However, I needn’t have feared, as Craig delivered a wonderful conclusion with growth and resolution for all characters. The ending did feel a bit rushed to me, but overall, this was a wonderful story, and I’m excited to share it with my children.
Thank you, Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group, Roaring Brook Press, for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Marcus is doing everything he can to be helpful and as little of a burden as possible on his aunt, who took Marcus and his sister in from their abusive father. When Marcus discovers a magical power hidden within, he turns to Mr. O, the corner store owner, for answers. As Marcus embarks on a journey to master his newly found magic, he discovers that people aren’t always what they seem, and perhaps Mr. O isn’t the friendly, helpful neighbor Marcus has always believed him to be.
I really enjoyed A Method for Magic and Misfortune. Craig is an incredible storyteller and weaves a beautifully diverse cast of characters with a unique magic system to create something completely unexpected. There were a couple of times throughout the book that I was concerned the main character, Marcus, was not going to have any true character growth and development. However, I needn’t have feared, as Craig delivered a wonderful conclusion with growth and resolution for all characters. The ending did feel a bit rushed to me, but overall, this was a wonderful story, and I’m excited to share it with my children.
Thank you, Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group, Roaring Brook Press, for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
March 27, 2025
Thank you NetGalley for providing me with an ARC to review this book!
I really enjoyed this! It stressed me out at parts which doesn't normally happen with middle grade books. Marcus is a twelve year old who always feels like he needs to be doing something helpful. His trauma from his past makes him always feel unworthy. Even though his aunt loves him, he always thinks that he is a burden to her. When he accidentally uses magic he learns that he has a special skill and finds a mentor to help guide him. His insecurities cause him to get mixed up in who his true family is.
At parts this was a hard read because of some of the upsetting topics, but the author does give a content warning at the front that people who are sensitive to talking about abuse may want to proceed with caution. It's not overly graphic or scary but it does depict child abuse and the long term effects that are caused from it.
With a strong message of community and family I really felt like this was a beautiful book.
I really enjoyed this! It stressed me out at parts which doesn't normally happen with middle grade books. Marcus is a twelve year old who always feels like he needs to be doing something helpful. His trauma from his past makes him always feel unworthy. Even though his aunt loves him, he always thinks that he is a burden to her. When he accidentally uses magic he learns that he has a special skill and finds a mentor to help guide him. His insecurities cause him to get mixed up in who his true family is.
At parts this was a hard read because of some of the upsetting topics, but the author does give a content warning at the front that people who are sensitive to talking about abuse may want to proceed with caution. It's not overly graphic or scary but it does depict child abuse and the long term effects that are caused from it.
With a strong message of community and family I really felt like this was a beautiful book.
August 19, 2025
Thank you Macmillan Children's and Craig Kofi Farmer for an eARC in exchange for an honest review!
A Method for Magic and Misfortune Is an engaging middle grade fantasy novel. It is about breaking generational patterns and the power of family and community.
I really enjoyed the magic system and would have loved to see even more. I wish we had spent more time at the Conclave to learn more about the history and other covens across the world. (I think as a reader I was able to visual it well to the point that I really hope this becomes a tv show or film!)
These characters will resonate with readers, especially preteens and middle graders. Marcus is 12 and looking for his place in the world, which is a very common feeling as a preteen. He makes mistakes but is able to grow. He realizes he can always lean on his family and to trust that they'll always be there for him.
Overall, I really enjoyed reading this and think it would be great for those looking for a new magical realism story.
A Method for Magic and Misfortune Is an engaging middle grade fantasy novel. It is about breaking generational patterns and the power of family and community.
I really enjoyed the magic system and would have loved to see even more. I wish we had spent more time at the Conclave to learn more about the history and other covens across the world. (I think as a reader I was able to visual it well to the point that I really hope this becomes a tv show or film!)
These characters will resonate with readers, especially preteens and middle graders. Marcus is 12 and looking for his place in the world, which is a very common feeling as a preteen. He makes mistakes but is able to grow. He realizes he can always lean on his family and to trust that they'll always be there for him.
Overall, I really enjoyed reading this and think it would be great for those looking for a new magical realism story.
solid-dnf
July 26, 2025Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for providing a free e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
Shockingly this will have to be a DNF for me 65% in. I'm very disappointed as I adored Kwame Crashes the Underworld, the first book by the author. However, this one can't seem to hold my attention and is falling quite flat. I'm not sure if that it's mainly set in times of today with a little fantasy sprinkled in or what. The characters also are not developing much depth to them. There are some great lessons that are sprinkled throughout the story, and I can appreciate the messages the author was trying to convey, especially for ones. However, it makes you wonder if the topics at hand will be missed as the book's target audience is middle grade. I'm still interested in what else the author has in store, but I'm passing on this one.
Shockingly this will have to be a DNF for me 65% in. I'm very disappointed as I adored Kwame Crashes the Underworld, the first book by the author. However, this one can't seem to hold my attention and is falling quite flat. I'm not sure if that it's mainly set in times of today with a little fantasy sprinkled in or what. The characters also are not developing much depth to them. There are some great lessons that are sprinkled throughout the story, and I can appreciate the messages the author was trying to convey, especially for ones. However, it makes you wonder if the topics at hand will be missed as the book's target audience is middle grade. I'm still interested in what else the author has in store, but I'm passing on this one.
September 6, 2025
Unfortunately, I did not enjoy this book. If I didn’t need to give the review I most likely would’ve DNF it around 20% of the way through.
The overall concept was good and the moral/message of the book is definitely great; one that all kids should learn and experience. The illustration of the cycles of abuse was well done as well. Which is why I’m giving it 2 stars instead of 1.
The dialogue felt fake and forced and I had a very hard time connecting with any of the characters (mostly because of the writing style). The plot arc felt very slow and the “exciting events” that happened kind of felt like they were in the wrong places.
The science & time travel aspects were not accurate, which pulled me out of the story. It also was very difficult to sit through the way the character Mr. O spoke to the kids and how obvious it was he was manipulating them the entire time (even from the moment we met him). I understand this was the conflict in the story and a major part of the plot, but it was way too heavy handed.
I normally really enjoy middle grade and YA, but unfortunately this one did not hit the mark.
I received a a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and statements are my own.
The overall concept was good and the moral/message of the book is definitely great; one that all kids should learn and experience. The illustration of the cycles of abuse was well done as well. Which is why I’m giving it 2 stars instead of 1.
The dialogue felt fake and forced and I had a very hard time connecting with any of the characters (mostly because of the writing style). The plot arc felt very slow and the “exciting events” that happened kind of felt like they were in the wrong places.
The science & time travel aspects were not accurate, which pulled me out of the story. It also was very difficult to sit through the way the character Mr. O spoke to the kids and how obvious it was he was manipulating them the entire time (even from the moment we met him). I understand this was the conflict in the story and a major part of the plot, but it was way too heavy handed.
I normally really enjoy middle grade and YA, but unfortunately this one did not hit the mark.
I received a a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and statements are my own.
September 12, 2025
👦🏻 review: This is an awesome fantasy adventure book with a touch of mystery. Marcus is an amazing kid with a unique sense and personality who simply doesn’t deserve any stress or anxiety. While dealing with his own issues, Mr O, the beloved community leader fave him an opportunity to see himself through his own experiences. Who took who under the guise? I like this book because it discusses issues that we heard and know existed in many different households and the pains others have to deal with when they least expected. On the other hand, it also covers and explores many fantasy and realism to entertain readers while finding out why Marcus came to find his newfound talent. I know I’ll be picking Craig Kofi Farmer’s other books someday because he touches plenty of topics that I know are really interesting and realistic.
October 9, 2025
the method for magic and misfortune seems to be abuse of children. i didn't like this one. although marcus is presented as the main character, i thought Mr. O was written as the focus of the book. in the end does he realize his horrible ways, yes. but it takes far too long and the story names at least three children who are abused and manipulated by him. the stars are earned by the strong family and friends that never give up on marcus. i would have like to learn more about grand park and the things that made it such a strong neighborhood. from the ending i couldn't tell if this was going to be a series, but i won't be reading any further books if it is.
October 17, 2025
A fantastic, contemporary fantasy novel that intersplices the classic story of a child called Marcus finding out he has magical abilities with a story about abuse and its repercussions throughout time and generations. While the themes can be heavy the abuse Marcus deals with is handled well and in the most age appropriate way possible and his love for his family helps guide him to a safer place. I love the way the story can talk about important issues and have cool magic fight scenes without making either bit feel out of place.
October 18, 2025
I found the main character of this book insufferable for the first 70% or so. some of my favorite books are ya or middle school book so I don't think that that was the problem. I also struggled with the main themes of this book and had I realized what they were I probably would not have read this book.
The writing was really enjoyable I enjoyed the world building. Most of the NPCs were fun. I really enjoyed most of the ending as well. And by the end I had either come around in the main character or he grew enough that I liked him.
The writing was really enjoyable I enjoyed the world building. Most of the NPCs were fun. I really enjoyed most of the ending as well. And by the end I had either come around in the main character or he grew enough that I liked him.
May 6, 2025
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for letting me review this book. Marcus and his sister are living with their aunt. He soon discovers his abilities and gets a mentor. But sometimes you can lose the way and realize you’ve gotten in more than you realized. Marcus realizes he with the help of his friends could change everything. Sometimes we believe and trust in the wrong people.
June 7, 2025
Thanks to Netgalley and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group for this ARC.
This was a hard one for me to read. I liked the characters and the magic system, but from the start it felt like Marcus was falling for a trap. I had trouble reading about the toxic and abusive relationships. It was well written, but did not make me feel happy.
This was a hard one for me to read. I liked the characters and the magic system, but from the start it felt like Marcus was falling for a trap. I had trouble reading about the toxic and abusive relationships. It was well written, but did not make me feel happy.
August 11, 2025
I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC.
This one really didn't work for me. I just couldn’t get into the story. The characters were written fine, but I would have liked them a little more developed. I felt the same with the world and magic. I'm sure a lot of young readers will enjoy this one, but it just wasn't for me.
This one really didn't work for me. I just couldn’t get into the story. The characters were written fine, but I would have liked them a little more developed. I felt the same with the world and magic. I'm sure a lot of young readers will enjoy this one, but it just wasn't for me.
September 20, 2025
I really like the premise of how this magic is created and the way that each divinator can make it their own unique brand of magic. The emotions are intense as the book follows the path of a toxic relationship. The very best parts of the book come after the first half.
September 8, 2025
The author creates great characters who go from zero to hero with magic and new worlds. I loved the previous novels in a different world with a distinct influence from the Ancient Gods. This one is great because the magic system is inspired by Divination, Orishas, stones, commanding minds, and self-discovery. It is also a turmoil of family relationships and the necessity to be loved and praised that makes the main character hesitate. Sometimes found family praises because they are after something (secret greed) and end up betraying. Love the cover artwork. A hint of the chosen one trope.
October 8, 2025
Needs a stronger trigger warning.
September 28, 2025
I loved this book. I was invested in Marcus from the very beginning. This was a pretty dark middle grade book but it was handled very well.
The magic system was well developed and makes sense.
My only confusion was with Lorenzo. He seemed like he should have been more important from his relationship with Marcus at the beginning but he just wasn’t. If this was a set up for Lorenzo as a character for future books, then it makes sense.
There was child abuse in this book as a main theme so beware of that. I do think it was handled properly where the kid(s) are in a troubling situation and then they are saved from the situation. I don’t want to spoil anything with details on that topic.
This book had a great villain, who is layered and developed.
I loved Brian right away and I hope you do too.
Thank you NetGalley & Macmillan Children's Publishing Group for providing an advanced copy.
The magic system was well developed and makes sense.
My only confusion was with Lorenzo. He seemed like he should have been more important from his relationship with Marcus at the beginning but he just wasn’t. If this was a set up for Lorenzo as a character for future books, then it makes sense.
There was child abuse in this book as a main theme so beware of that. I do think it was handled properly where the kid(s) are in a troubling situation and then they are saved from the situation. I don’t want to spoil anything with details on that topic.
This book had a great villain, who is layered and developed.
I loved Brian right away and I hope you do too.
Thank you NetGalley & Macmillan Children's Publishing Group for providing an advanced copy.
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