Abracadabra: Fantastic Reading Magic!

What the eyes see and the ears hear, the mind believes.

~ Harry Houdini

Lafayette Reading Road Trippers are using their eyes and their ears and their imaginative minds this winter, reading books with magical themes and creating hocus-pocus projects!

Who Was Harry Houdini? by Tui Sutherland. 

A Magical Biography: From his breakthrough act in 1899 to his death on Halloween in 1926, Harry Houdini thrilled audiences with amazing feats and sensational stunts, freeing himself from ropes, handcuffs, milk cans, prison cells, and strait jackets.  This title from Lafayette School’s favorite biography series provides an illustrated introduction to the life and legend of the world-famous Hungarian-American magician and escape artist.

Here's The Great Escape, featuring Ella, Olivia, Jane, and Samantha:

Meanwhile, Liam, Matt, and Mike produced a puppet show about 

The Great Houdini:

Dorko the Magnificent by Andrea Beaty.

Waving the Magic Wand: Robbie Darko loves magic, but something always goes wrong with his tricks. Then cranky Grandma Melvyn moves in and takes over his bedroom. The two become unlikely friends, showing the world that Robbie is a true magician. Shortly after a successful talent show, Grandma Melvyn performs a final disappearing act, and Robbie learns something about the true meaning of magic.  Take a look at a magnificent video, produced by Andrea, Cornelia, and Jamie:

Dorko the Magnificent by Sarah F.

The Chocolate Touch by Patrick Skene Catling. The Magic Touch: Reading Road Trippers are devouring this story—inspired by the Greek Myth of King Midas—about a chocolate-loving boy who acquires a magical gift that turns everything his lips touch into chocolate!    Take a look at a delicious book trailer, created and performed by Ali, C.J., and Stella:

While we're sampling The Chocolate Touch, let's watch a Reading Road Trip interview with protagonist (main character) John Midas, written and performed by Annie, Michaela, and Kiera:

The Chocolate Touch Acrostic Poem by Rachel and Amy.

The Chocolate Touch by Tamer F.

Savvy by Ingrid Law.

Say the Magic Word: Generations of the Beaumont family have harbored a magical secret:  supernatural powers unique to each family member.  They move mountains, create hurricanes, and spark electricity! This popular Reading Road Trip title recounts the unforgettable adventures of Mibs Beaumont, whose thirteenth birthday promises to reveal her “savvy”—just as her father is injured in a horrible accident.

Liesl & Po by Lauren Oliver.

More Magic: Locked away by her stepmother in a dismal attic room after her father’s death, Liesl befriends a lonely ghost named Po.  Magic happens when Liesl and Po meet Will, an alchemist’s apprentice who has bungled an important delivery and needs the friends' help to make things right.

The Real Boy by Anne Ursu.

Works Like Magic: Oscar works as a shop boy for the most powerful magician in an island village, grinding herbs in a cellar room and dreaming of wizards from generations past.  Oscar is shy and a bit of a misfit—but things change when he realizes he may be the only person who can save his village from a sinister threat.  Will magic be enough to keep the island safe?

An Abracadabra Reading Road Trip wouldn't be complete without a visit with Harry Potter. Lafayette students are reading and re-reading the seven books in the popular series-- and creating projects inspired by Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.  Here's a Harry Potter Puppet Play, performed by Julia B, Carol B, Kyle B, and Jasmine L:

I am a great admirer of mystery and magic. Look at this life - all mystery and magic. 

~ Harry Houdini

Read on, Reading Road Trippers... Explore the mystery and magic!