by Sally Estes
The Harry Potter phenomenon has led us to wonder just how wizards become wizards. Some seem to grow into their powers on their own; others, such as the magick-makers below, attend school or become an apprentice. As you can see, there is no one—or right—way.
Asprin, Robert. Myth Conceptions. 1985. Ace, paper, $5.99 (0-441-55521-7).
Gr. 8–12. In a rollicking entry in Asprin’s Myth series, Skeeve, a junior magician apprenticed to a demon who has lost his powers, is expected to defend the kingdom of Possiltum against an enormous invading army.
Drake, Emily. The Magickers. 2001. DAW, $19.95 (0-88677-935-9).
Gr. 5–6. A sprained ankle lands 11-year-old Jason in what is billed as a “creativity and leadership camp” in the Grand Tetons, which is actually a school for training workers of “magick”—and a battleground in a centuries-old feud.
Feist, Raymond E. Magician: Apprentice. 1982. Bantam Spectra, paper, $7.50 (0-553-56494-3).
Gr. 9–12. In a sprawling tale set in the medieval world of Midkemia, orphaned Pug travels to the Kingdom of the Isles to study with master magician Kulgan. Magician: Master (1986) is the sequel.
Jones, Diana Wynne. Year of the Griffin. 2000. HarperCollins/Greenwillow, $15.95 (0-688-17898-7); lib. ed., $15.89; paper, $6.95 (0-06-447335-X).
Gr. 7–10. This antic sequel to Darklords of Derkholm (1998) follows the exploits of some first-year Wizard’s University students, including the griffin Elda, who manages to create a great deal of havoc both on and off campus.
Le Guin, Ursula K. A Wizard of Earthsea. 1968. Bantam, paper, $6.99 (0-553-26250-5).
Gr. 5–10. Ged, a talented but proud, overzealous student of wizardry, unleashes a shadowy, malevolent creature that endangers him and the world of Earthsea. The Tombs of Atuan (1970) and The Farthest Shore (1972) complete the trilogy.
Pierce, Tamora. Sandry’s Book. 1997. Scholastic, $15.95 (0-590-05535-6); paper, $4.99 (0-590-055408-5).
Gr. 6–9. In the first book in the Circle of Magic series, the mysterious Nik takes four misfits to Winding Circle Temple, where they learn to harness their disparate magic powers. Tris’s Book (1998), Daja’s Book (1998), and Briar’s Book (1999) continue the young people’s adventures.
Rowling, J. K. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. 1998. Illus. Scholastic/Arthur A. Levine, $16.95 (0-590-35340-3); paper, $6.99 (0-439-36213-X).
Gr. 5–8. Harry begins his zany adventures when he learns he’s expected at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The sequels, so far, are Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (1999), Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (1999), and Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2000).
Wrede, Patricia C. Magician’s Ward. 1997. Tor; dist. by St. Martin’s, $22.95 (0-312-85369-6); paper, $5.99 (0-812-52085-8).
Gr. 9–12. In the sequel to Mairelon the Magician (1991), Kim, a former thief who is now an apprentice magician, not only continues her magic lessons but also calls on her old street smarts after a bungled burglary at her guardian’s townhouse.
Yolen, Jane. Wizard’s Hall. 1991. Harcourt, paper, $5 (0-15-202085-3).
Gr. 4–6. In a story full of whimsical humor, 11-year-old Henry is admitted to Wizard’s Hall, but unfortunately, he can’t seem to get any spells right.
Zambreno, Mary Frances. A Plague of Sorcerers. 1991. Hyperion, paper, $5.95 (0-7868-1126-9).
Gr. 4–7. When a plague befalls the city’s wizards, young apprentice magician Jermyn Graves and his unlikely familiar, a skunk named Delia, must save the afflicted magicians. The sequel is Journeyman Wizard (1994).
(Booklist/April 15, 2002)