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."

"So You Want To Be A Magician by Linda Soules is a charming and surprisingly thoughtful look at a profession built on secrets, timing, and wonder. It takes a subject that many children already find exciting and shows what truly lives behind the curtain: practice, psychology, storytelling, patience, and respect for the audience. The result is a colorful nonfiction guide that feels both entertaining and quietly meaningful.

Spoiler-Free Plot: The book walks readers through the world of magicians and how their craft works. It explains the difference between the trick itself and the feeling it creates, showing that magic is not about supernatural power, but about attention, memory, expectation, and performance.

Readers learn where magicians work, what tools they use, how much they practice, why misdirection matters, and how a simple object like a deck of cards can become something extraordinary in the right hands. The book also explores famous magicians, useful vocabulary, fun facts, and practical steps young readers can try if they are curious about learning magic themselves.

My Take on So You Want To Be A Magician: What makes this book enjoyable is the way it keeps the mystery alive while still explaining the craft behind it. It never ruins the magic by making it feel mechanical. Instead, it shows that the real beauty of magic is not only in fooling someone, but in giving them a moment where the world feels bigger and stranger than they expected.

The strongest part of the book is its focus on the human side of magic. I liked how it connects magic to wonder, memory, laughter, and the emotional reaction of the audience. The section about how magic can make people feel childlike again gives the book more heart than I expected. It also handles the ethics of secrecy well, reminding readers that a magician’s job is not to embarrass people, but to protect the feeling of surprise.

The illustrations are rich, theatrical, and full of deep stage colors, which fits the subject beautifully. They give the book a classic magic-show atmosphere, from close-up card tricks to grand illusions and backstage spaces. The book also does a nice job showing that magic is not effortless. It is built from lonely practice, repeated mistakes, careful storytelling, and a lot of patience.

Overall, So You Want To Be A Magician is a warm, engaging guide that captures both the sparkle and the discipline of magic."

"So You Want To Be a Magician is an engaging nonfiction children’s book that takes readers behind the curtain of professional magic. Instead of simply showing off tricks, the book explains what magicians actually do and why their performances work. Young readers learn about misdirection, psychology, practice, performance, and the way magicians guide an audience’s attention. The book makes a strong case that magic is a craft built from patience, observation, storytelling, and skill. That approach gives the subject more depth than a collection of tricks would, while still keeping the sense of wonder that makes magic appealing in the first place.

The illustrations play a big part in making the book inviting. Nearly every spread includes richly colored scenes of magicians performing, practicing, building props, studying, or interacting with audiences. Deep reds, purples, golds, and stage lighting give the pictures a theatrical feeling that suits the subject perfectly. I especially liked the way the images move between glamorous performances and quieter behind-the-scenes moments, such as a magician practicing alone in front of a mirror or working carefully on a prop. The book also shows magicians and audiences of different ages and backgrounds, which helps the profession feel open and approachable to a wide range of young readers.

I enjoyed how thoroughly the book explores the profession. Readers get a look at a magician’s tools, practice space, backstage environment, daily schedule, collaborators, and the qualities needed to succeed. There’s plenty here for curious kids who want to know what the work feels like when nobody is watching. The sections on long hours of practice and recovering from failed tricks are especially useful because they show how much discipline goes into a polished performance. At the same time, the book keeps returning to the joy of seeing an audience gasp, laugh, or become completely absorbed in a moment.

There’s also a surprising amount of variety packed into the later pages. The book introduces famous magicians such as Harry Houdini, Dai Vernon, Adelaide Herrmann, and Shin Lim, includes fun facts and a glossary, and gives readers practical ideas for getting started, including practicing a trick, studying people, reading about magic, and performing for family and friends. Most importantly, it closes with a thoughtful discussion of a magician’s responsibility to the audience. The idea that a magician uses deception to create wonder gives the book a meaningful ethical center. So You Want To Be a Magician works well as both a career-exploration book and an introduction to the art of magic, and it leaves readers with a much clearer sense of how much thought, practice, and care can be hidden inside a few seconds of astonishment."

"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."

"The art of illusion is masterfully handled in this edition of this book series designed to inspire young readers to explore what they want to be when they grow up. Magicians have to work hard to master this craft and train with the masters to perfect their trade. From the sleight of hand in a card trick to the disappearance of an object, this book will keep you captivated as you learn about what it takes to be a masterful magician."

"I love the in depth age level breakdown and the additions on Harry Houdini and Shin Lim. There is nice in depth, history, how it helps others. Great book, and at the end it provides resources on further learning."

"Fantastic quick read! For all those performers out there.....this book is for you! If you love entertaining and watching the expressions on people's faces, magic is it! From decks of cards to disappearing coins, this book will amaze you. Practice is key! Let the illusions of this book take you away!"

"This was amazing. I knew magic was not real but I didn't know how involved it was for each trick. I was really interested in magic once, and the tricks still fascinate me. I hope to master one card trick so I could amaze others."

"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."

"Another book from this series does not disappoint. I love that this book gives the reader an opportunity to really learn what comes with wanting to be a magician. All the magic is inside the reading!"

"This is such a cute book that explains everything a kid needs to know about becoming a magician! There is even a section that goes through a typical day in this profession. My favorite part was the story about how magicians help people who have Alzheimer's. Definitely recommend this book if your kid is interested in exploring magic tricks!"

"Another outstanding book. This book is very informative for kids who want to be a magician. It tells about the distraction and how your mind sees what it wants to see. It shares a day in the life of a magician and famous magicians. Super good read for kids."

"This book is a delightful beginners guide to becoming a magician. Complete with a glossary of Magic terminology, this book is sure to help any novice magician be well on their way to a fulfilling hobby or exciting career."

"It was intended to teach younger children on how to become a magician, but I found it very informative as an adult. The book describes the steps the someone would take, in detail, to accomplish this goal. I also like how it seemed to be very confident but calm in explaining all the possibilities, good and bad, that could happen when trying to learn new skills. I enjoyed how the author seems to push the fact that many of the tricks are just actually getting your audience to 'feel' the mysteriousness. Just to make them believe even if only for a few moments. Nice work!"

"Interesting book that explains magic in a different way, changing the way you think of it. The book also includes a lot of good information to help you if you want to learn magic. One piece of information is that there are 4 skills that combine to become a good magician, such as misdirection and psychology."

"Another great and informational book by Linda Soules. I love how she sets up her books for readers. She includes pictures and fun facts in all her books. Learning about becoming a magician is very unique. The job itself really sounds entertaining but it doe take skill to perform acts. It takes determination to get the skills correct to the point where the audience can’t believe what really happened. I remember me and my sister as kids buying a magic kit. It came with basic magic pieces and an instructional book. Being a magician would take practice and the willingness to do the trick multiple times correctly in order to impress others. I’ve definitely heard of Houdini and David Copperfield. They both had talent and interest to keep challenging themselves and attract their audience. This was a really fun read for an adult reader!"

"​Linda Soules makes the magic world feel exciting and easy for kids to jump into. The book is encouraging, clear, and perfectly written for younger readers. By showing how much practice goes into every trick, it teaches great lessons like patience and hard work. It is a fantastic guide for parents, teachers, and any kid who wants to learn magic."

"Wonderful book full of all the information a child or an adult would need to be a magician. And the illustrations are amazing!"

"Loved the magician book of the So You Want To Be series. We’ve all seen Magic or at some point have tried to preform a trick. This book explains the work and art behind the trick and I honestly had no clue all the effort and practice magicians put into it. There is also a whole community standard with ethics, secrets, and psychology. This is honestly a great read for anyone who wants to learn more about magicians or is thinking about becoming one."

"I think any kid can relate to the sense of wonderment and joy that close-up magic can bring. This book takes the giant spectacle, the showmanship, and theatrics and brings it into plain view for the fledgling young magician. There are leads on great resources, and places to attain greater networking or knowledgebase (as should be expected in this series). What stuck with me the most was the anecdote about how performing magic for others transcends age and identity."

"This illustrated nonfiction book reveals what magicians actually do: the sleight of hand developed through endless repetition until the move lives in the muscles, the psychological principles that guide attention and shape perception, and the stagecraft and performance skills that let one person. It's a really good book if you want to know about magic and tricks. And the different way that people look at things."

"We have loved every book in this series. I cannot believe how much information is included. She thought of everything when writing this book. What i love is that even if your kid doesn't become a magician, this book helps develop good practices for whatever they pursue in the future. A professor once said, some classes are not about what you are learning, but learning how to learn. Kids love magic. This is the perfect way to help them learn a skill they will love."

"This captivating illustrated guide pulls back the curtain on the world of professional magic in a way that is refreshingly honest, revealing that the real secret behind every breathtaking illusion is thousands of hours of disciplined, solitary practice. Young readers will be fascinated to discover how psychology, stagecraft, timing, and muscle memory all combine to create that single magical moment of genuine astonishment on an audience's face. The book goes beyond tricks and techniques to explore what the life of a magician truly costs and what it gives back, making it as much a career story as a how-to guide. A wonderfully rich and inspiring read for any young person drawn to the art of wonder and willing to do the work behind it."

"This was a great book! The visuals are fantastic. I appreciate that the author touched on the good, the bad, what to expect, and gave tips to get started."

"So You Want to Be a Magician by Linda Soules is a nonfiction book that pulls back the curtain on the world of magic while keeping its sense of wonder intact. Instead of pretending that magicians have special powers, Soules explains that magic is built on psychology, misdirection, practice, and performance. Young readers learn how magicians direct attention, use storytelling, and study human behavior to create astonishing illusions. The book also introduces famous magicians such as Harry Houdini, Adelaide Herrmann, and Shin Lim, while providing fun facts, career insights, and even a simple trick that readers can try themselves. The writing is clear and conversational, making complex ideas about perception and the brain easy for kids to understand.

The illustrations and visual design are another strength of the book. Colorful images, diagrams, and eye-catching layouts help break up the informational text and keep readers interested as they learn about stage magic, card tricks, and the tools of the trade. The visuals complement the explanations and make the book feel inviting rather than overwhelming. While some readers may wish the book included more step-by-step instructions for performing tricks, its true focus is helping children understand what it takes to become a magician and why the art of magic captivates audiences. Overall, So You Want to Be a Magician is an informative, inspiring, and entertaining read that will spark curiosity and encourage kids to see magic as both an art form and a skill that can be learned through dedication and practice."

"This book is an excellent introduction to magic as a career. It is a unique offering, in that most books about a child's future career focus on more standard job options.

I found that the author provided a wealth of information in an accessible format. The book was well laid out and packed with interesting facts. I am not a magician myself, but I have studied magic and illusion for years as a hobbyist. This book actually taught me a couple of facts I did not know about magic.

The language is age appropriate, and manages not to "talk down" to the children who will be reading it. I like that; patronizing language in children's media always infuriated me as a child. The book explains its terminology, and even includes a helpful glossary....My favorite part about the book is the optimism and enthusiasm offered for the field of magic. The author gives a career as a magician the same dignity and weight as a lawyer or a scientist. A magician provides a service. In the words of the author, a magician provides wonder. And wonder is something people of all ages need."

"This is a great book for young people looking to pursue magic. Even if not as a career, it shows all about performing magic. The book shows where magicians perform, what tricks and tools they use in their acts, and what types of people they work with. It also tells about some famous magicians, including Harry Houdini and more recent, Shin Lim. This is a really cool book."

"I have always loved magic, fascinated by it my whole 40 years of life. I have watched numerous TV specials of performances and have been to many live performances of well known magicians. When I saw this book, I knew very well my want to read it was not to consider a career change, it was because it made me think of all the memories I have of experiencing magic being performed, and it made me curious about what someone considering that field might want to know and expect in today's world of tech and scrutiny.

Two major things the author kept referring to that I loved and made me think to myself 'Yeap, they get it.'. The first thing was that Magicians spend their careers mastering the power to harness and fuel wonder and amazement, and that that ability will always be needed in life and craved by people all over the world, that no matter what differences in each individual being exists, that sense of awe when a trick is performed is felt by all who experience it, and that is a beautiful skill and art form that has been in practice for centuries by those who understood the science behind it long before we even realized it was a science.

Second, that Magicians themselves are members of a very exclusive community that understands the demand for secrecy and integrity in the field and I have always appreciated and admired that part of the magic community, that they have spent centuries protecting the tricks and tools of the trade and handing them down to only those that can be trusted to put the same energy and commitment in protecting those secrets as they do perfecting the techniques to perform them.

This book a very well put together 'peek behind the curtain' into the history and qualifications of this ancient profession and the author does a great job of bridging the importance of the history and the need for hours of patience, for a few seconds of performance and that split second reaction that all that time and energy works for, while also making sure to include the need to adapt for the changes in the world and how technology and technique can work for or against a Magician and their illusions."

"Curiosity about how magicians work made me pick up this book. I was fascinated by how magicians perform tricks, and what goes into practicing their craft and doing magical wonders. The information and facts shared in the book were very cool. Now I understand how this profession works. It’s a type of art and science that takes mind and creativity. The friendly illustrations make this one a fun read. I loved the way this book is structured with explaining the craft, the profession, then what tools and study goes into learning the magic, then facts about magicians, and glossary. It’s perfect for young readers who want to understand what magic entails, and for anyone who is curious to learn new things."

"I absolutely love the So you want to be, series of books. Very informative short story about being a magician. Love the breakdown on the in’s and out’s of this job and what you need to know. Great stories of famous magicians throughout history and loved the recommendations for other reads on this subject. Highly recommend"

"So You Want To Be A Magician by Linda Soules is the perfect primer for any child interested in the art of magic as a career. This is a series of books in an exploratory careers series. The author explains the magician’s role of helping people and discusses other details of the job, a day in the life of a magician, famous magicians, fun facts and tips on how the aspiring magician can get started. There is a glossary of magic terms in the back of the book as well as resources for further reading."

"A fun, easy-to-read book for kids who are interested in magic! I loved how it introduces illusions and sleight of hand while encouraging creativity and practice. Great little book for aspiring magicians!"

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

"Love this book series. My child loves magic and I read this with him. Loved trying out the tricks and how they were done. They were so excited. Definite recommend for young readers."

"As a third-grade teacher, I love finding nonfiction that respects kids' intelligence, and this one does. It's written a bit older than my students, but my stronger readers were hooked, and the illustrations pull in even reluctant readers. What stands out is how it frames magic as psychology and discipline rather than secret tricks, which led to great classroom conversations about focus and practice. It never talks down to kids. A wonderful addition to any classroom shelf or a gift for a curious kid who always wants to know how things work."

"So You Want To Be A Magician by Linda Soules offers a thoughtful look at what truly powers the art of magic. Instead of focusing on cheap tricks, the book explores how magicians use cognitive psychology, like change blindness and false memory, to steer an audience's attention. It breaks the craft down into four vital pillars: misdirection, psychology, practice, and performance.

​The main lesson here is that our minds constantly take shortcuts. Because conscious focus can only process a fraction of what happens around us, our brains naturally fill in missing details, often creating false memories of things that never occurred. Ultimately, magic isn't about supernatural powers or secrets hidden in a sleeve; it relies on years of deliberate practice and storytelling to turn a simple trick into an unforgettable experience of wonder."

"So You Want To Be A Magician takes a subject that naturally fascinates kids and goes much deeper than simply teaching a few card tricks. What I liked most is that it explains why magic works and what actually goes into creating that feeling of wonder. One of the ideas that really stood out to me is the distinction between the trick itself and the experience it creates. A magician isn't actually making something supernatural happen—the performer is carefully controlling attention, timing, expectations, and perception so the audience experiences something that feels impossible. The discussion of misdirection, change blindness, and false memory makes the psychology behind magic surprisingly fascinating."

"Filled with lots of great information and facts. The illustrations were colorful and kept me entertained. I would highly recommend this book to any child considering becoming a magician. I received a complimentary copy and enjoyed every minute. Abracadabra!"

"Very interesting! It’s cool to think about how being a magician isn’t just about sleight of hand, but also psychology and how the human brain processes things. Distraction and drawing attention elsewhere are keys to being a good magician. A lot of kids want to be a professional magician when they grow up and this book gives them the information they need to understand everything it takes to be successful in this career. Magicians also have to be good performers and take failure well."

"This short story is perfect for any kids looking to become a magician. This story covers the hardest parts of being one and gives the tips and tricks to what makes a successful career as a magician. It goes over many of the aspects of being a magician like the tools used, where they perform, and what life would look like in that profession. Solid read for kids looking to gain knowledge on magicians."

"This is an informative and beautifully illustrated introduction to the fascinating world of magic and the skills required to become a successful performer. I especially appreciated how the book balances the exciting parts of the profession with the less glamorous realities, such as countless hours of practice and handling mistakes in front of an audience. The sections on famous magicians, fun facts, tools of the trade, and ways young readers can begin practicing were especially helpful. This would be an excellent choice for curious readers around ages 10–12, who are interested in magic and/or performance."

"This was very well written and would definitely enhance the interest a child might have in this fascinating field. Explaining an introductory trick also helps feed the desire to learn more. A fun and easy read."

"I never wanted to be a magician but this is a neat little book about what it’s like to be one, what kind of work is needed and what skills might be required. I liked the suggestions of what to read next and I loved that the library call number for magic was included - nice touch! Good illustrations!"

"I really enjoyed this book. It gives a simple and interesting introduction to the world of magic. I liked learning about different magic terms and techniques, and I especially liked the message about practicing, keeping secrets, and treating the audience with respect. The book shows that being a magician is not only about performing tricks but also about creativity, patience, and practice. I think this would be a fun book for young readers who are interested in magic."

"So You Want to Be a Magician explores the wonder and work of becoming a professional magician. For children captivated by the idea of performing magic tricks, this book is a must. It describes the hard work, hours and hours of practice, and the skills needed to make it as a magician. It touches on the two types of magicians: a close-up magician and a stage magician. The author details the psychological aspects of fooling your audience and how a good magician understands how to trick the brain into believing the illusion. She also describes tools of the trade, support staff who help make stage magic work, and how to deal with failure. There is a glossary and suggested reading for students who want to learn more about magic. The book does not describe any magic tricks, but emphasizes the importance of keeping illusions a secret so that magicians can continue to amaze their audiences."

"So You Want to Be a Magician is an entertaining and inspiring book that gives readers an interesting look into the world of magic and illusion. It is easy to follow and offers a great mix of stories, advice, and practical tips for anyone curious about becoming a magician. I enjoyed how the book shows that magic is not just about tricks, but also about practice, confidence, creativity, and connecting with an audience. Overall, it is an enjoyable and encouraging read for both beginners and anyone who has ever been fascinated by the art of magic."

"What I loved most about this book is how honest it is about the grind. It doesn't pretend you'll be a wizard overnight lol, it shows how much practice, patience, and failure actually go into a two-second trick. The historical fun facts and psychology breakdowns were top notch. Really great read for any kid who's serious about learning the craft. Super engaging, really well laid out, and very inspiring."

"This is another great book in this 'So You Want To Be…' series! An excellent look at the life of a magician from a practical and performance standpoint, highlighting magic as a scientific art form designed to create that sense of wonder for the audience. This book offers a look at some of the famous magicians throughout history, as well as a fun 'day in the life' of a magician. Kids interested in performing magic tricks and illusions will love this book!"

"The book is very informative for anyone young or old that has an interest in becoming a Magician. It give a step by step guide that is easy to understand and follow. The book is also interesting without boring repetition."

"Love how detailed this book is. Make you stop and think and wonder if it's really all in your head when it comes to magic!"