This is a funny book about a boy named Robbie who REALLY wants to be a magician but he makes some pretty big mistakes (like when he wants to surprise his mom for her birthday by doing the "pull out the tablecloth with all the dishes on it" trick). Trouble really enters the scene when his great great aunt moves into his room while she's recuperating from knee surgery. It has some nice themes of learning new things, finding out about the people around you, and practice. Ever since his fifth birthday when someone gave him a magic set,fifth grader Robbie Darko has known he was meant to be a magician. His tricks don't always turn out as planned, espcially when he performs them at school, but he's determined to show off his magical genius at the school's annual talent show. All he needs is a little help and a trick that will wow the socks off everyone...When Robbie's Grandma Melvyn moves in and offers to give him magic lessons, Robbie is skeptical. She's the reason that he now has to share a room with his younger brother, Ape Boy. Plus, Grandma Melvyn old, mean, and cranky, refusing to use anyone's proper name--to her, everyone is Trixie. However Robbie is stunned to discover that Grandma Melvyn is actually good at magic. Really good. Where did she learn it? And can she teach it to him in time for the big magic show, even when disaster is bound to strike?Very funny and touching book, with well rounded characters. Then ending as was a bit rushed, but 4th and 5th graders won't mind and will be hoping for more of Dorko the Magnificent's magic.
What do You think about Dorko The Magnificent (2013)?
5th grade boy learns life lessons along with magic from his Grandma Melvyn.
—Pinki53226
So interesting and funny. it makes you want to read more than usual.
—deb
Wow, it tuns into a totally different book halfway through.
—mtrembl
Surprise ending. That's magic for you!
—shalishaann
