So You Want To Be A Magician (So You Want To Be A...)

"So You Want To Be A Magician by Linda Soules introduces young readers to the world of magic through a blend of performance, psychology, history, and practical insight. The book explains how magicians create wonder through attention control, sleight of hand, preparation, and storytelling. Early chapters explore how audiences experience illusions and why the human brain can be so easily fooled. Readers learn about concepts such as misdirection, false memory, and change blindness, showing that magic depends as much on psychology as on technique. The book then moves into the daily life of magicians, including the hours of solitary practice, prop construction, rehearsal, and performance that go into creating seamless illusions. Historical sections introduce famous magicians such as Harry Houdini, Dai Vernon, and Shin Lim, connecting modern magic to a larger tradition of performance and creativity.

So You Want To Be A Magician is suited for younger readers who are curious about performance and illusion. Linda Soules combines short explanatory sections with vivid examples, making complex ideas in psychology and perception exciting. The pacing moves quickly, with each spread introducing a new aspect of the magician’s world, from practice routines and stagecraft to audience reactions. The illustrations add atmosphere, helping readers visualize both the elegance and discipline behind the craft. Literary techniques such as direct address, rhetorical questions, and descriptive imagery keep the material inviting. The book balances entertainment with education, encouraging curiosity while also teaching the value of patience, repetition, creativity, and confidence. Readers who enjoy performance, puzzles, stage arts, or the science of perception will find the subject especially appealing. The book’s strongest quality is its treatment of magic as both an artistic performance and a careful study of human attention."

"What is a magician? Is it a person who can actually saw an assistant in two or make a landmark truly disappear? Of course not, but that doesn’t stop audiences from enjoying the spectacle and feeling the wonder of a great trick. So You Want To Be A Magician taps into that joy while giving aspiring young performers a clear, grounded look at what it truly means to pursue the craft. Rather than teaching popular card tricks or sleight‑of‑hand techniques, Linda Soules offers a down‑to‑earth overview of the profession itself. The author begins by outlining the real skills required, many of which may surprise readers. Basic props and other tools of the trade are highlighted, along with different types of magic to explore and the realities of day‑to‑day work. The candid section on the highs and lows of performing is refreshingly honest, acknowledging everything from long practice sessions to the occasional audience member who tries to spoil the show. Profiles of influential magicians, including Harry Houdini, Adelaide Herrmann, and Shin Lim, provide historical context and inspiration, while the accompanying images capture both the intensity of performance and the joy it creates.

Early on, the book draws a line between the trick itself, which is mechanical, and the wonder it creates, which is the whole point. That distinction drives everything a magician does, and that spirit is clearly conveyed to audiences who might be considering magic as a career choice. Soules dignifies young readers with a direct writing style that avoids condescension, trusting them to handle real ideas. For example, complicated concepts like change blindness and false memory are presented in plain language that doesn’t feel oversimplified. Dozens of cinematic illustrations pull readers into workshops, onto stages, into practice rooms, and even into the front row for the grand finale. The glossary and recommended reading list round out the back matter, alongside a simple card trick that readers can learn on the spot. The author’s note closes the book with a thoughtful, philosophical reflection about the ethics of a profession built on deception and the responsibility that comes with it before asking, 'Do you still want to be a magician?' Warmly written and appropriately thorough, So You Want To Be a Magician builds a solid foundation for any young person curious about becoming a professional illusionist and offers a deeper appreciation for the art behind the astonishment."

"Linda Soules's So You Want To Be A Magician is a confident entry in the So You Want To Be a… series, a career guide for ages ten through twelve that treats wonder as serious craft. For parents and curious tweens alike, it earns a permanent place on the shelf.

Reading it felt less like homework and more like being welcomed into a room where someone finally explains that the method is never the point. Soules guides tweens through misdirection, attention, mirror practice, backstage discipline, and the magician's code. Parents will appreciate that she names the loneliness, failed shows, and recovery skills professionals build, while vibrant snapshots of Houdini, Adelaide Herrmann, and Shin Lim add historical texture. A gentle passage on wonder and memory may open real family conversation. The closing trick and glossary turn inspiration into something a child can actually try.

Soules writes with enthusiasm and precision, explaining change blindness and false memory without drowning readers in jargon. The voice feels personal, almost conspiratorial in the best sense, as when she insists that deception, used with care, is a gift. This book balances craft with kindness, which is hard to achieve in nonfiction for this age group.

For curious ten- to twelve-year-olds and the adults reading alongside them, this installment in the career series merits an enthusiastic recommendation. It respects young minds, invites honest conversation, and rewards shared reading. Open it together tonight, and leave room for the gasp."

"This was more informative than I would have expected based on the age range given... My 10-year-old requested a Magic Set for Christmas a couple years ago and had a difficult time grasping the 'tricks,' but I think if he were to read this book now, he would realize how long it can take to master the sleight of hand required to make it work."

"This series is amazing and explains jobs so well."

"It moves very easily between the stories of famous magicians to the skills that are necessary to be a magician today... It does a good job explaining what you need to know before you buy your first trick at the Magic shop."

"This book was enjoyed very much by my nephew. It has a detailed account of what steps are required to become a magician."

"Perfect starter book for kids to get the premise behind being a magician and how 'magic' really works."

"This book is a great starting point for understanding what the profession involves and how to begin. I especially appreciated how it highlights not just performing in front of an audience, but also the preparation, practice, and tools that go into each act. One concept I found particularly interesting was the introduction of terms like change blindness, which gave insight into the psychology behind magic."

"This book makes me want to be a Magician! So fun!"

"Many will enjoy this short book with very cool illustrations. Has some great resources at the end for further exploration."

"My daughter and I absolutely love every one of these we have read! This and the video game designer have by far been our favorites. This gave her so much information on being a magician she actually started looking up more. Such a wonderful read."

"A good start for a young magician. I like how it lays everything out for them, tips and tricks to get started. And it’s honest, which I appreciated, but also keeps the idea of being a magician fascinating and fun!"

"This book is a cute way to show children just what exactly being a magician is all about. This book is 39 pages and discusses what tools a magician may use, different props, and all other info regarding what all a magician does. This book is age appropriate for children and would make a good gift for any little magician."

"This book shows you the craft of magic without divulging any major secrets. It makes you feel like a kid again with a sense of wonder and trying to understand how it all works."

"From a teacher’s perspective, So You Want To Be A Magician by Linda Soules is an engaging and imaginative introduction to the world of magic and performance. This book does a wonderful job of capturing children’s curiosity while also teaching them about the hard work, creativity, and practice that go into becoming a skilled magician. What stands out most is how approachable and encouraging the writing is for young readers. The book explains different aspects of magic in a way that is easy to understand without ever talking down to children. Students who enjoy performing, storytelling, or entertaining others will feel especially inspired by the behind-the-scenes look at what magicians do and the dedication required to master illusions. As an educator, I appreciate how the book promotes confidence, communication skills, patience, and creative thinking. It encourages children to explore their interests while reminding them that success comes through learning and perseverance. The colorful explanations and exciting subject matter make it an excellent choice for reluctant readers as well, since it keeps their attention from beginning to end. This would be a fantastic addition to any classroom or school library, especially for career exploration units or independent reading time. Linda Soules once again creates an educational and entertaining resource that helps children dream big while learning valuable life lessons along the way."

"This book was so intriguing! I've always enjoyed magic and sleight of hand, and, though this book is geared toward kids, it was very helpful to me, too. I now want to head to a magic shop and start practicing!"

"These So You Want To Be A... books are fantastic and this is no exception. Great info on what goes into performing magic."

"An inside look into the actual job requirements of a magician. This book gives practical advice to children who may want to grow up to be a magician. It showcases the reality of the job not being just fun and games, but a lot of persistence and long hours of practice. The book also shows that magicians are legitimate performers of math and science. It contains a lot of interesting information!"

"I loved how the book balanced fun facts about famous magicians with simple explanations of techniques and performance skills. The writing kept my child engaged without talking down to him, and the illustrations made the tricks feel approachable. What stood out most to me was how much the book encouraged creativity, confidence, and practice rather than just revealing secrets. After reading a few chapters, my son was already putting on mini “shows” for the family. It’s educational, entertaining, and genuinely inspiring for curious kids."

"This is a fun book that while it won't teach you magic tricks, it will teach you the theories behind being a magician, what a day in the life is like, and a lot of fun facts!"

"A truly fun read for those wanting to leap into the world of magic and ocular deception - it's not all just sleight of hand anymore, and this quick-book gives a history lesson into all the ins & outs of the art form. If your kid wants to be the next David Blaine, have him read this one before they decide to freeze themselves in a block of ice."

"I was not expecting this book to be so eloquently written about becoming a magician and all the hard work and lonesome hours of practice it takes to perfect the art. My partner is a practicing magician and I read him the book and we were both blown away by the presentation of the information and the amazing rhetoric of all the special talents a magician needs to be successful. I loved the explanation of psychology behind how the magic works and especially the points in the story where it talks about magicians giving wonder as a gift. The illustrations were fun and colorful as well and I just really enjoyed this entry in the So You Want To Be... series."

"This series continues to impress.

From the outset, the vocation of magician is presented as the result of training, not of supernatural powers.

Combining psychology and dexterity, the magician is portrayed as someone who can bring delight. Even in close quarters, the seasoned practitioner can fool their audience and bring a smile to young and old alike. The magician is supported by a special community to keep the secrets of the trade so that the illusion can continue to entertain."

"Descriptive and shows kids what a magician actually does. I like the way it's written and does a nice job in being both realistic without taking the interest away."

"If your child is interested in being a magician or even just learning magic tricks this book is ideal. It breaks down how a magician keeps secrets, fools their audiences and masters the art."

"It is great for a child who wants to be a magician. It gives clues as to how to learn this art and create wonder in the minds of an audience. The author discusses such things as slight of hand, attention misdirection and more... A perfect gift for the kid who wants to be a magician as a career or simply a party performer."

"This was a quick and enjoyable read. The author explains the world of magic in a way that's easy to understand without talking down to younger readers. I especially liked learning about misdirection and the amount of practice professional magicians put into their craft. It's educational, but it never feels like a textbook. A good choice for curious kids who love magic shows and want to know more about what happens behind the scenes. What really got me was the amazing facts that seem so unbelievable. It's so crazy I had to look them up!!! Great book!"

"I just can’t get enough of this series! I’d never want to be a magician but the book is great to see what goes into it. These books go into detail about what their day is like, what it takes to do it (the good and the hard) and traits that make a good magician….and so much more! I learned that magic can sometimes reach a person with Alzheimer’s disease by making them laugh, which I know too well can be rare. This series is incredible and this one did not disappoint!!!"

"Love this. It was so informative. It explained everything from why the brain can’t see the tricks to what all you need to be able to do them. Magic and everything about it always appealed to me, so this book was right up my alley."

"After reading this, I realized that grew up too soon and never really gave magic a chance as a true career. This is entertaining and informational and gives a lot of information alongside excellent artwork that shows and explains the field of magic. Well written and very worth the read."