ABRACADABRA

MIDDLE SCHOOL NONFICTION

F/A  Newquist, H. P.  Abracadabra.  Holt, 2015.  148p.  978-0-312-59321.  18.99.  For centuries, elements of deception and science have been manipulated to beckon the curious.  People have always enjoyed  being entertained.  Eight step-by-step black and white illustrated tricks plus 2 - 3 pp sub stories (i.e. Tools of the Trade...) are included in this history of magic.  Their placements throughout the book, however, often inhibit a free flow of the main text.  In spite of these faults, this eye catching title will sell itself and serve as an introduction to a popular subject.  E.M. Roublow (ret.)