Book Review: The Magic Misfits: The Second Story by Neil Patrick Harris

The Magic Misfits: The Second Story by Neil Patrick Harris
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Release Date: September 25, 2018
My rating: 2.5 of 5 stars

Publisher’s Description:

Growing up in an orphanage, Leila was bullied for being different. She turned her hardship into skill by becoming an escape artist–a valuable trait when belonging to a group of magical best friends. But when a famous psychic comes to town, Leila and her pals won’t be able to escape the big mystery heading their way. Whether chasing mad monkeys or banishing ghosts from haunted hotels, these six friends will do their best to keep Mineral Wells safe–but can they still protect themselves in the process?

Join the Magic Misfits as they discover adventure, friendship, and more than a few hidden secrets in this delightful new series. Whether you’re a long-time expert at illusion or simply a new fan of stage magic, hold onto your top hat!

…have more questions? I thought you might. Here’s some answers:

WHERE? A sleepy town in New England. Within the town is a magic shop, run by the friendly but mysterious Dante Vernon–the gang’s caped and top-hatted mentor.

WHO? Carter, who can make things vanish. Leila, who can escape from anything. Theo, who can make things levitate with the aid of his violin bow. Ridley, who can invent anything. And of course twins Olly and Izzy, who can make anyone laugh.

WHY? Because together, these six magical misfits will discover adventure, friendship, and the town’s long-hidden secrets.

The Second Story is the second book in Neal Patrick Harris’s The Magic Misfits series. Book 1 of the series was Carter’s story. This book is Leila’s. Leila spent many years being bullied in an orphanage before she was finally adopted by Mr. Vernon and his husband. One day, a famous psychic comes to town and their lives are turned upside down. Who is Sandra really and what does she want?

This time around NPH does not interrupt the flow of the story by defining big words that kids probably already know anyway. He must have read my review of Book 1! Speaking of Book 1, I think it will be easier to understand The Second Story if you have read the first book.

The story was okay, HOWEVER, it was completely overshadowed for me by how the adoption storyline was handled. As an adoptive parent myself, I found it disturbing. My eight year old daughter (who is adopted) hasn’t read it yet and I don’t know if I want her to. If you are the parent of an adopted child, I highly suggest reading this book to see what you think before you let your child read it.

(I received a complimentary copy of this book for review.)