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Like Magic: A Sweet Story of Three Diverse Girls, Libraries, and Friendship for Children
"An endlessly endearing story of three girls’ pursuit of friendship and the beauty and challenge of what it means to be 10.” —Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
“Like Magic is truly a treasure.” —Liz Garton Scanlon, author of The Great Good Summer
“Debut novelist Vickers has created three appealing, diverse characters with distinct talents and voices. A sweet story of friendship.” —School Library Journal
“Themes of sharing, trust, and family never overshadow the story’s a natural longing for friendship and the unfettered joy of finding it.” —Publishers Weekly
“Endearing. The setting and gracefully embedded ethnic differences add freshness to a story with a message that will stand the test of friendship is like magic.” —Booklist
For three ten-year-old girls, their once simple worlds are starting to feel too big.
Painfully shy Grace dreads starting fifth grade now that her best friend has moved away. Jada hopes she’ll stop feeling so alone if she finds the mother who left years ago. And Malia fears the arrival of her new baby sister will forever change the family she loves.
When the girls each find a mysterious treasure box in their library and begin to fill the box with their own precious things, they start to feel less alone. But it’s up to Grace, Jada, and Malia to take the treasures and turn them into something true friendship.
“Like Magic is truly a treasure.” —Liz Garton Scanlon, author of The Great Good Summer
“Debut novelist Vickers has created three appealing, diverse characters with distinct talents and voices. A sweet story of friendship.” —School Library Journal
“Themes of sharing, trust, and family never overshadow the story’s a natural longing for friendship and the unfettered joy of finding it.” —Publishers Weekly
“Endearing. The setting and gracefully embedded ethnic differences add freshness to a story with a message that will stand the test of friendship is like magic.” —Booklist
For three ten-year-old girls, their once simple worlds are starting to feel too big.
Painfully shy Grace dreads starting fifth grade now that her best friend has moved away. Jada hopes she’ll stop feeling so alone if she finds the mother who left years ago. And Malia fears the arrival of her new baby sister will forever change the family she loves.
When the girls each find a mysterious treasure box in their library and begin to fill the box with their own precious things, they start to feel less alone. But it’s up to Grace, Jada, and Malia to take the treasures and turn them into something true friendship.
269 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 18, 2016
35 people are currently reading
1076 people want to read
About the author
Elaine Vickers
10 books154 followersElaine Vickers lives with her family in Southern Utah, where she writes books and teaches college chemistry. She always wanted to be a writer and a teacher, except when she wanted to be an architect, an artist, a pediatrician, a judge, or a famous actress. Visit her at elainevickers.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 148 reviews
October 18, 2016
Though I generally enjoy almost everything I read, it’s been some time since I’ve found a book that has made me audibly sigh in joy, upon reading the last page.
(And yes, T did give me a weird look when I did that - hah.)
But such was the case with the gorgeous, all-encompassing Like Magic, by Elaine Vickers. In her debut novel, Vickers shares the fears and thoughts of three young girls, who are all at certain crossroads in their lives.
Grace is recovering from her sole friend moving away, while Malia is afraid that a new arrival in the family will leave her as an afterthought. Jada is angry about leaving New York City for Utah; she’s convinced their new life is taking them away from the possibility of reuniting with her mother.
As the girls attempt to deal with these new realities, Vickers is careful to show each of them reaching out and spending them in the one place that they all feel comfortable: the library.
Though it’s never overtly stated, the fact that these girls converge at the library individually to find solace, information and even safe haven, is a great reminder by Vickers on the difference that a safe space can have in the lives of young people.
The importance of that safe space is only further emphasized by Hazel, a kind-hearted librarian who seems to instinctively know how to reach out to the three girls. Her decision to share a treasure box between the three girls is a reminder that young people often need something to center them (and make them feel special!) in transitional times, and it’s also a lovely way to nudge the girls into sharing a bit of themselves with one another.
While the interwoven storylines forms a larger and beautiful overall story about friendship and interpersonal connections, Vickers also has significant strengths and impact with her individual storylines.
Each character undergoes day-to-day challenges that will feel familiar to young readers – e.g. Grace suffers from anxiety, and has challenges talking to strangers – and Vickers does a superb job of showing the wrong way and the right way to deal with each of these challenges, and how each girl learns from their mistakes and achievements. It’s very easy to minimize or overstate some of the challenges that the young women experience, but Vickers toes that line beautifully.
Though I felt the most sympathetic to Grace's storyline - I too was a very shy young person, who hated to talk - I actually admire Jada's storyline the most. She's angry about having to relocate, and Vickers does an amazing job of showing just what it means to be a young person with limited options on where you get to live and get to go, and what it takes for her to adjust, find her space and be okay.
All in all, the book is a beautiful testament to relationships and coming to terms with your own strengths and weaknesses.
***
Final verdict:
Like Magic is at its heart, a magical tale. It’s a novel with a multitude of layers, detailing how connections and learning how to connect with one another can change the path of our lives.
Through the guidance of a warm-hearted librarian, Grace, Malia and Jada not only overcome their personal fears, but also learn that there is strength in sharing their individual talents and gifts with the world.
This is a love letter to being young, making friends – especially a diverse group of friends - and having the wisdom and genuine love of one’s elders, to help one learn from mistakes and work toward the future.
This is also a love letter to librarians and the beauty of the library, which is something I can absolutely get behind. Highly, highly recommend, full stop.
(And yes, T did give me a weird look when I did that - hah.)
But such was the case with the gorgeous, all-encompassing Like Magic, by Elaine Vickers. In her debut novel, Vickers shares the fears and thoughts of three young girls, who are all at certain crossroads in their lives.
Grace is recovering from her sole friend moving away, while Malia is afraid that a new arrival in the family will leave her as an afterthought. Jada is angry about leaving New York City for Utah; she’s convinced their new life is taking them away from the possibility of reuniting with her mother.
As the girls attempt to deal with these new realities, Vickers is careful to show each of them reaching out and spending them in the one place that they all feel comfortable: the library.
Though it’s never overtly stated, the fact that these girls converge at the library individually to find solace, information and even safe haven, is a great reminder by Vickers on the difference that a safe space can have in the lives of young people.
The importance of that safe space is only further emphasized by Hazel, a kind-hearted librarian who seems to instinctively know how to reach out to the three girls. Her decision to share a treasure box between the three girls is a reminder that young people often need something to center them (and make them feel special!) in transitional times, and it’s also a lovely way to nudge the girls into sharing a bit of themselves with one another.
While the interwoven storylines forms a larger and beautiful overall story about friendship and interpersonal connections, Vickers also has significant strengths and impact with her individual storylines.
Each character undergoes day-to-day challenges that will feel familiar to young readers – e.g. Grace suffers from anxiety, and has challenges talking to strangers – and Vickers does a superb job of showing the wrong way and the right way to deal with each of these challenges, and how each girl learns from their mistakes and achievements. It’s very easy to minimize or overstate some of the challenges that the young women experience, but Vickers toes that line beautifully.
Though I felt the most sympathetic to Grace's storyline - I too was a very shy young person, who hated to talk - I actually admire Jada's storyline the most. She's angry about having to relocate, and Vickers does an amazing job of showing just what it means to be a young person with limited options on where you get to live and get to go, and what it takes for her to adjust, find her space and be okay.
All in all, the book is a beautiful testament to relationships and coming to terms with your own strengths and weaknesses.
***
Final verdict:
Like Magic is at its heart, a magical tale. It’s a novel with a multitude of layers, detailing how connections and learning how to connect with one another can change the path of our lives.
Through the guidance of a warm-hearted librarian, Grace, Malia and Jada not only overcome their personal fears, but also learn that there is strength in sharing their individual talents and gifts with the world.
This is a love letter to being young, making friends – especially a diverse group of friends - and having the wisdom and genuine love of one’s elders, to help one learn from mistakes and work toward the future.
This is also a love letter to librarians and the beauty of the library, which is something I can absolutely get behind. Highly, highly recommend, full stop.
June 17, 2016
I loved this story! Each character is so wonderful and well-developed. I love the emphasis on music, art, writing, and LIBRARIES! A lot of the book takes place at what sounds like an incredible public library, and each girl is impacted by the help of the thoughtful librarian. Definitely get this book for every middle grade reader you know, but also get it for anyone who doesn't understand why libraries are so important. After reading this, they'll get it.
April 2, 2016
In a touching, gentle middle grade novel, three ten year old girls grapple with big changes as they get ready for the new school year. Shy, anxious Grace, misses her best friend, the first girl her own age she made a strong connection with, who moved across the country to Boston. Jada, along with her dad, makes a big move to Salt Lake City, leaving the East Coast behind for an unfamiliar city. And Malia adjusts to her new role as a big sister, with her mom in the hospital on bed rest. What brings the girls together? Well, some might call it a little bit of magic in the form a treasure box in the library's lost and found, but others might notice a certain children's librarian recognizing some girls in need.
I'm a sucker for middle grade stories that deal with friendship. So many of them are about friendships on the fritz, but instead of taking the familiar path, Vickers focuses on the just as important beginning. Friendships flickering on the edge of chance encounters, and possibility. I love these three girls, all of them dealing with different challenges, but bravely and sensitively. I loved seeing how the arts -- creative writing, painting, and music -- play a role in bringing them together.
I'm a sucker for middle grade stories that deal with friendship. So many of them are about friendships on the fritz, but instead of taking the familiar path, Vickers focuses on the just as important beginning. Friendships flickering on the edge of chance encounters, and possibility. I love these three girls, all of them dealing with different challenges, but bravely and sensitively. I loved seeing how the arts -- creative writing, painting, and music -- play a role in bringing them together.
May 1, 2016
I received an Advanced Readers Copy in return for an honest review, which I am more than happy to give!
I loved this book about friendship so much! Not since my beloved Betsy, Tacy, and Tib have I loved watching the fates weave a friendship together. Thanks to children's librarian, Hazel, and a wonderful treasure box, Grace, Malia, and Jada are brought together just when they need each other most.
Elaine Vickers creates moving and true characters. You feel their pain, their excitement, their fear. These are no cookie cutter girls; they are real and lovely and they make your heart hurt as they navigate growing up. This is a special book, and I highly recommend it! Bravo Elaine! I loved this book!
I loved this book about friendship so much! Not since my beloved Betsy, Tacy, and Tib have I loved watching the fates weave a friendship together. Thanks to children's librarian, Hazel, and a wonderful treasure box, Grace, Malia, and Jada are brought together just when they need each other most.
Elaine Vickers creates moving and true characters. You feel their pain, their excitement, their fear. These are no cookie cutter girls; they are real and lovely and they make your heart hurt as they navigate growing up. This is a special book, and I highly recommend it! Bravo Elaine! I loved this book!
May 8, 2016
Like Magic is a story about heart, friendship, and overcoming the challenges we all face. Grace, Jada, and Malia, are three girls looking to belong. Each yearning to fill a unique void. In their search for connection, Vickers does a great job showing each girl's strength and inner beauty. The story is filled with the arts in all its forms, and lovingly shows the strength, and sometimes shortcomings, of family. In the end, Grace, Jada, and Malia, find their voice, their spirit, their purpose, and maybe most importantly, each other. I highly recommend this story.
I was given an arc for an honest review of this story.
I was given an arc for an honest review of this story.
March 2, 2016
In this heartwarming tale, three girls who are each searching for something embark upon separate quests. As their paths collide, the girls learn more about themselves and their situations, and are rewarded with an unlikely friendship. Elaine Vickers does a fantastic job intertwining the three stories in a way that will tug at your own heart. I highly recommend this for middle-grade enthusiasts (and their parents too!)
April 29, 2016
A sweet story about three young girls trying to find their way through many of life's troubles. With a wonderful mix of art, music, and poetry throughout, this story shows everyone is going through something and sometimes all you need is hope to push through.
November 19, 2018
This is an incredibly charming book. The nuances of the girls, the complications they face, and the processes of working through them will appeal to both kids and their parents. Loved it.
October 23, 2018
I’m always on the lookout for good middle-grade books, and the adorable cover and premise of this one drew me in right away.
I was a little astounded by how much I related to each character (despite being more than twice their age), and I applaud the author for how well-developed each girl’s character was. The struggles of growing up and navigating life were similar for each of them, but they were also each very unique in their lives and hobbies and dreams.
Malia (yeah, we’re going left to right) was a really sweet character. (And I love her hair. ;) ) Trying to be helpful in her family restaurant, a fun and loving older cousin to the littler ones, and doing her best not to worry her parents... Her relationship with her parents was especially sweet. (And I agree, Ava Maria is a beautiful song!)
Grace, oh it was painful to read chapters sometimes! I related to her shyness and her fears and her love of writing so much. ;) I loved watching her become brave (through the help of her friends and her parents, which was cool), though I felt like it was a little unrealistic for her to be that brave that soon, but I understand everyone’s story is different. ;)
Jada! She was cool. I resonated with how protective she was of her family and her need for color in her home was me all the way. (I feel that way about boring white rentals walls too, girl.) It was very satisfying to read about her painting, and I’m glad she discovered Cassatt, one of my favorite artists.
The treasure box was probably my favorite part of the story. I just went to show that when we make art, it can mean one thing to us and something else to others but it still has the power to draw people together. Also, I’m gonna be a cool librarian when I retire from everything else. ;)
Best quote--basically all the poetry and the treasure box message. :D
Just a note, some of the situations (i.e. runaway mom, dad possibly dating again, family member in the hospital, worry of being replaced by younger sibling) could be a little much for young readers if it is outside their experience. Also, a well-meaning adult tries to cure shyness by punishing a child for not speaking. A child calls her parent by his first name, there is some playful wondering if someone is a witch, and a child temporarily runs away. Also, a lot of mentions of Mormonism and their temple since the story takes place in Salt Lake City.
Altogether, I enjoyed this sweet story of three girls and the events that brought them together. :D
I was a little astounded by how much I related to each character (despite being more than twice their age), and I applaud the author for how well-developed each girl’s character was. The struggles of growing up and navigating life were similar for each of them, but they were also each very unique in their lives and hobbies and dreams.
Malia (yeah, we’re going left to right) was a really sweet character. (And I love her hair. ;) ) Trying to be helpful in her family restaurant, a fun and loving older cousin to the littler ones, and doing her best not to worry her parents... Her relationship with her parents was especially sweet. (And I agree, Ava Maria is a beautiful song!)
Grace, oh it was painful to read chapters sometimes! I related to her shyness and her fears and her love of writing so much. ;) I loved watching her become brave (through the help of her friends and her parents, which was cool), though I felt like it was a little unrealistic for her to be that brave that soon, but I understand everyone’s story is different. ;)
Jada! She was cool. I resonated with how protective she was of her family and her need for color in her home was me all the way. (I feel that way about boring white rentals walls too, girl.) It was very satisfying to read about her painting, and I’m glad she discovered Cassatt, one of my favorite artists.
The treasure box was probably my favorite part of the story. I just went to show that when we make art, it can mean one thing to us and something else to others but it still has the power to draw people together. Also, I’m gonna be a cool librarian when I retire from everything else. ;)
Best quote--basically all the poetry and the treasure box message. :D
Just a note, some of the situations (i.e. runaway mom, dad possibly dating again, family member in the hospital, worry of being replaced by younger sibling) could be a little much for young readers if it is outside their experience. Also, a well-meaning adult tries to cure shyness by punishing a child for not speaking. A child calls her parent by his first name, there is some playful wondering if someone is a witch, and a child temporarily runs away. Also, a lot of mentions of Mormonism and their temple since the story takes place in Salt Lake City.
Altogether, I enjoyed this sweet story of three girls and the events that brought them together. :D
July 2, 2019
Sweet story.
July 14, 2016
This book is absolutely beautiful. I loved each of the characters and how they all had their own unique interests, talents, family life, and culture. The way the author weaves the girls' stories together is so seamless and makes this book stand out in a wonderful way.
The hint of magic added an extra touch that made it fun to read and wonder what (if any) was magical or cosmic. Every time I put it down, I couldn't wait until I could read more and see how it all tied together.
I Definitely recommend it for readers of any age as well as classroom and library shelves!
I received an advanced copy in exchange for an honest opinion.
The hint of magic added an extra touch that made it fun to read and wonder what (if any) was magical or cosmic. Every time I put it down, I couldn't wait until I could read more and see how it all tied together.
I Definitely recommend it for readers of any age as well as classroom and library shelves!
I received an advanced copy in exchange for an honest opinion.
December 14, 2019
This book has become my ten-year-old daughter's favorite book. The characters are fun, and the story is uplifting.
January 8, 2024
A magic treasure box in the lost and found at the local library leads to a charming adventure for 3 young girls. Loved it!
October 29, 2016
I had the opportunity to read an ARC of this book, along with the other members of my Twitter #BookRelays group. I really enjoyed this book, and will definitely purchase a copy (or 2 or 3) for my classroom library. The characters are very relatable for the students I teach. Ten-year-olds in desperate need of friendship, they each turn to the gentle help of a librarian at the Salt Lake City Library who provides them with a treasure chest from her lost-and-found drawer. Grace is painfully shy and her best friend has moved away. Jada and her father are starting a new chapter in their lives in Utah, but she still longs to have a relationship with the mother who abandoned her. Malia has been an only child her whole life, but is about to become a big sister. One by one, they borrow this treasure box and take and receive gifts from it that provide comfort and deep meaning for each of them. The suspense builds as you see these girls interact with each other through the connection with this box and wait for them to finally meet each other and receive the magic of friendship that they are all seeking. The story unfolds with chapters that show each character's point of view in turn. This book would be great to teach lessons about theme and point of view. I also think it will be popular has an engaging realistic fiction book.
October 12, 2016
I received an advance reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Honestly, LIKE MAGIC is totally like magic! Or maybe it IS magic! I love how Elaine Vickers weaves together the stories of three absolutely lovable girls as their lives are each touched by a treasure box. Each one was sweet and poignant on its own but as the stories began to intersect, I couldn't turn the pages fast enough because I wanted so desperately for them all to come together.
I highly recommend LIKE MAGIC for young middle grade readers, especially those who like realistic stories that make you wonder... Was it magic?
Honestly, LIKE MAGIC is totally like magic! Or maybe it IS magic! I love how Elaine Vickers weaves together the stories of three absolutely lovable girls as their lives are each touched by a treasure box. Each one was sweet and poignant on its own but as the stories began to intersect, I couldn't turn the pages fast enough because I wanted so desperately for them all to come together.
I highly recommend LIKE MAGIC for young middle grade readers, especially those who like realistic stories that make you wonder... Was it magic?
February 28, 2016
This really is a magical story of three girls, each feeling lost in her own way: shy, poetic Grace who misses her best friend who has just moved; artistic Jada who is new to Salt Lake City and feels she doesn't fit in; and musical Malia whose family is so caught up in the imminent arrival of her baby sister that they don't seem to see her. Vickers does a wonderful job pulling the threads of three different lives together in moving and unexpected ways. A lovely meditation on friendship and the strengths we don't know we have.
April 25, 2016
This is a wonderful friendship story about discovering who you are and finding your people. You will love Grace, Jada and Malia and cheer as they find each other with the help of a kind librarian and a mysterious box that holds all kinds of treasures. But the greatest treasure of all, they discover, is friendship. A gentle and lovely book, I think that this will appeal to all kinds of kids who may be inspired to share their own treasures with each other, too.
October 7, 2016
I really loved this sweet and thoughtful MG. Woven with intelligence, heart, and care, the stories of these three girls came together in a meaningful and powerful way. I teared up twice, and that is not common for me. I'm one who looks for meaning and symbolism everywhere, especially in books. And I was happy to find many innocent gems in this book. Loved each character and the librarian (she was perfect).
Highly recommended.
Highly recommended.
November 27, 2016
This is a sweet little book--there's not many other ways to describe it. Three girls who each need a friend find each other through a treasure box from the library lost and found. Cute, enjoyable, and some nice insights into the characters, who are diverse and well drawn. (My only quibble is the librarian character--she wouldn't be shelving books, and also seems to be the only person who works in this place, but whatever. Even I could look past that ;)
August 14, 2017
A really sweet story, well woven together. I don't think it will stand out in my memory amidst the many other middle grade novels I'm reading this summer, but it was a worthwhile story, and I'd definitely recommend it to lonely elementary/JH students, especially girls. I really appreciated that the story didn't shy away from issues like severe anxiety, maternal abandonment, and the upheaval an unexpected sibling can create, but also never wallowed in despair or cruelty. A solid read.
July 13, 2016
I adore this book. I was lucky enough to read an early version of this story, and the characters have stayed with me: quiet Grace, loving Malia, artistic Jada. Each girl is struggling with something that seems huge in her life, and each feels alone. A kind librarian and a treasure box help the girls connect to each other, and the resulting story is a beautiful, textured tribute to friendship.
May 6, 2016
A beautiful story on how 3 girls come to find friendship, themselves, and overcome obstacles all in a beautifully intertwined story. Not only did I enjoy the unique strengths that each girl had, but how they utilized those unique strengths to grow and overcome obstacles.
I would highly recommend this story for someone that needs a warm story, where characters are developed and meet over time.
I would highly recommend this story for someone that needs a warm story, where characters are developed and meet over time.
October 18, 2016
This book is a total and complete delight! I loved, loved, loved how the treasure box helped the three girls, each struggling in a their own way, find one other. And it makes me wish I'd stumbled across a treasure box in my library when I was that age.
This sweet tale of new friendship is a fantastic read for girls and boys of all ages.
This sweet tale of new friendship is a fantastic read for girls and boys of all ages.
May 30, 2016
This is a sweet story about three girls whose lives are connected through a mysterious box from the lost and found in the library. Jada, Grace, and Malia are intertwined in ways they'd never expect but they all have one thing in common, they need a friend. I really enjoyed this story.
October 23, 2025
When the world begins to grow quickly around you, it is easy to feel lost without friends to ground you. Though they lead separate lives, three girls living in Utah are about to discover they have more in common than meets they eye - with the help of a mysterious treasure chest and a kind librarian.
Interest Level: ages 7+
Reading Level: ages 8+
I knew I'd like this book, but I didn't expect to like it THIS much! Like Magic tells the story of three ten year-old girls, overcoming a variety of challenges in their personal lives. Not only are the characters diverse in terms of ethnicity and personality, but their lifestyles, challenges, and family dynamics span a huge range as well. This book could feel relatable to anyone. Though the story is quite predictable, that shouldn't be an issue for most young readers, and I still thoroughly enjoyed the read!
Interest Level: ages 7+
Reading Level: ages 8+
I knew I'd like this book, but I didn't expect to like it THIS much! Like Magic tells the story of three ten year-old girls, overcoming a variety of challenges in their personal lives. Not only are the characters diverse in terms of ethnicity and personality, but their lifestyles, challenges, and family dynamics span a huge range as well. This book could feel relatable to anyone. Though the story is quite predictable, that shouldn't be an issue for most young readers, and I still thoroughly enjoyed the read!
October 12, 2021
This book is really a treasure. It’s a enchanting book about 3 young girls in the pursuit of trying to find happiness in life while fixing there problems. What I love about this book 📖 is that they are after the same thing: trying to find there purpose in life. This book teaches a good lesson that you are not alone. People have the same problems because everyone’s life is not perfect. Personally, I find this book quite the ride. It turns out that they already have happiness in life. They just didn’t see it! This book is definitely worth 1,000 stars.
September 21, 2017
Thoroughly charming story of three young girls and how their unique challenges work magic in their lives. Great story for readers of all ages! Written with humor, suspense, and tenderness--loved it!
March 12, 2018
(3 1/2 STARS) A sweet, enjoyable read about friendship. There were a few more “conveniences” than I might have preferred, but I think the book’s intended audience of middle-graders would absolutely love this.
June 4, 2018
The concept was very nice. Three young girls dealing with individual hang ups and losses. One special treasure box brought them all together. Such a wonderful tale about true friendship.
July 19, 2019
A very sweet, endearing MG novel about friendship that's told from multiple POVs. While I enjoyed all three main characters, I felt Malia's chapters were a little underdeveloped compared to Grace's and Jada's? Like I didn't know Malia as well? But either way, still a great read that I would definitely recommend to my students!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 148 reviews