About the Book: Magic has all but disappeared in Brooklyn, but one tenacious young magician is determined to bring it back in this exciting middle grade mystery.
Twelve-year-old Kingston has just moved from the suburbs back to Echo City, Brooklyn—the last place his father was seen alive. Kingston’s father was King Preston, one of the world’s greatest magicians. Until one trick went wrong and he disappeared. Now that Kingston is back in Echo City, he’s determined to find his father.
Somehow, though, when his father disappeared, he took all of Echo City’s magic with him. Now Echo City—a ghost of its past—is living up to its name. With no magic left, the magicians have packed up and left town and those who’ve stayed behind don’t look too kindly on any who reminds them of what they once had.
When Kingston finds a magic box his father left behind as a clue, Kingston knows there’s more to his father’s disappearance than meets the eye. He’ll have to keep it a secret—that is, until he can restore magic to Echo City. With his cousin Veronica and childhood friend Too Tall Eddie, Kingston works to solve the clues, but one wrong move and his father might not be the only one who goes missing.
Mojo’s Review: Moses and Gangi’s Kingston & the Magicians Lost and Found weaves a magical tale that sucked me from the start and never let go. It is well balanced between the real world, with real issues, and a fantastical world filled with magic. Unlike stories of wizards and sorcerers, the magic used in the book is grounded by the magic we are used to seeing on stage and has no need for spells or potions.
Kingston’s desire to bring his father back shows the pain of the loss of a parent and the determination to get to the bottom of the mystery. The cast around Kingston provides a blend of humor and courage as they follow the clues, deal with those determined to stand in the way, and show support for their friend.
This truly is a book worthy of recommendation for middle grade fans, and fans of good story telling. Don’t just take our word, here are just a few other reviews to give you even more reason to get this book:
“This brisk, first-person narrative will appeal especially to readers who like puzzles and illusions… engaging plot and history of Black magician….A likable, otherworldly adventure with a bit of a mystery.” —Kirkus Reviews
★ “A fast-paced, magical read set in an accessible, vibrant world where Black magicians and a mainly Black cast take center stage.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review
“Coded messages, characters who plainly know more than they’re saying, doppelgangers, and secret schemes…all come together in a…breathlessly paced tale…should leave readers even more delighted that the stage is set for sequels.” —Booklist
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