A Method for Magic and Misfortune — Craig Kofi Farmer

A boy discovers magic -- along with a hidden darkness -- in his town in this propulsive and heartfelt middle grade novel by Craig Kofi Farmer, author of Kwame Crashes the Underworld.

12-year-old Marcus Pennrider feels far from magical. He's trying his best to balance school, a part-time job, and responsibilities that include looking after his little sister. On top of that, he just moved to Grand Park to live with his aunt, after healing from his experience with his abusive father.

When Marcus discovers a secret magic flows through the streets of Grand Park -- magic that can make money out of thin air, or even grant control over the weather -- everything seems to start changing for the better. Even Mr. O, the local corner shop owner and beloved leader in the community, takes Marcus under his wing to teach him how to use magic. Maybe if Marcus becomes a Divinator, he can prove to the world that he's not just a burden -- that he's nothing like his father.

But as Marcus strays farther from his family and into the strange world of Divination magic, he becomes entrenched in a rigorous magical training program and discovers that Mr. O may not be who he seems. It'll be up to Marcus to decide who his true family is, and that perhaps the real magic of Grand Park might lie in something much closer to home.