Brezenoff, Steve, and Michael Dahl. The Trouble with Abracadabra.

Brezenoff, Steve, and Michael Dahl.  The Trouble with Abracadabra.  Capstone/Stone Arch  2013  112p   ISBN 978-1-4342-4102-3      elem  Series: Hocus Pocus Hotel  VG  Mystery/Detective

This is the fourth title in the Hocus Pocus Hotel series.  Brack, the elevator operator, makes public that he is also the magician Abracadabra and he will be doing one final show.  He invites all the magicians to a party at his rooftop mansion.  There Theopolis challenges Brack to figure out his illusion.  The hotel and the mansion are the prizes at stake.  Theopolis appears to juggle while he is levitated over the pool, amid thick smoke and other special effects.  Brack, Charlie and Ty are perplexed as to how he did it.  They think about it and question people all week.  On the last day, Ty figures it out and the hotel is saved.  The solution is a bit too simple to have confused them so long.

Supplemental materials include discussion questions, writing prompts, a glossary and one trick that is illustrated and explained.  This trick can easily be mastered by a young magician.

The story is fast-paced and full of action.  Sentences are kept short, direct and with simple vocabulary to help young readers.  This title will appeal to grades 2-6, including struggling older readers.  It is easy to read without being condescending.

Readers will enjoy the Hocus Pocus Hotel stories.  Each one builds on the others, with familiar characters.  They are highly recommended for grades 3-6.  

Summary: Fourth in the Hocus Pocus Hotel series.  Brack (a.k.a. Abracadabra) is given a challenge with the hotel and his home on the line.  Ty and Charlie must figure out how an illusion was done.  The solution is almost too simple.

Mystery, Magic-Fiction                                            --Joan Theal

Mystery, Magic-Fiction                                            --Joan Theal