Nothing Up My Sleeve - Hardcover

Diana Lopez is the author of the novels Ask My Mood Ring How I Feel, Choke, and Confetti Girl, which won the 2012 William Allen White Award. She is the editor of the journal Huizache and the managing director of CentroVictoria, an organization devoted to promoting Mexican American literature. She lives in South Texas and teaches at the University of Houston-Victoria.

Gr 4–6—Vanishing acts, illusions, sleights of hand, and much magic infuse this middle grade novel. Over the summer, a trio of competitive friends haphazardly visit Conjuring Cats, a shop that not only sells amazing tricks but also focuses on training new magicians. Soon, Dominic, Loop, and Z learn of a magic competition just for teens, but myriad obstacles stand in the way of each of the boys. As they prepare specific tricks and techniques, their frustrations mirror their individual weaknesses, which must all be conquered to successfully perform at the magic competition. Expenses, family dynamics, performance nerves, and magic skill become quite a tangle of challenges for the trio. In the end, through practicing magic, the boys learn much more about themselves, their friendship, and their families. López skillfully balances a realistically based friendship story with ample doses of magical elements. Students will be able to relate to these tweens who have authentic, everyday struggles: divorced parents, academic challenges, and financial troubles. Her layered plot will keep middle grade readers engaged, as chapters alternate focus among Loop, Dominic, and Z. Character development is strong, and personal thoughts and emotions are transparent as readers delve deeper into each boy's personal life. Children will be dazzled by López's inclusion of special techniques, popular tricks, and references to famed magicians; most readers will be tempted to try replicating the tricks on their own. VERDICT Intriguing magic and authentic perspectives make this a strong addition for middle grade collections in schools and public libraries.—Mary-Brook J. Townsend, Episcopal Collegiate School Library, Little Rock, AK