Books in Dorko the Magnificent series

Robbie Darko is a magician. An old-school, pull-a-rabbit-out-of-your-hat-style magician. Robbie loves magic and he’s good at it―sort of. Despite his best efforts, passion, and practice, something always goes wrong with his tricks, landing Robbie in trouble. Enter crotchety Grandma Melvyn, who calls everyone “Trixie” and complains about everything. When Grandma Melvyn moves in and takes over his room, Robbie discovers that she was once an internationally renowned magician and learns about the heartache that turned her into a bitter woman. Against all odds, Robbie and Grandma Melvyn form an uneasy alliance to show the world―or at least the kids of Hobson Elementary School―that he is a true magician. Shortly after a successful talent show, Grandma Melvyn performs a final disappearing act, and Robbie learns a little about the true meaning of magic. Written with pitch-perfect middle-grade humor and unforgettable characters, this gem of a novel will stay with readers long after Dorko the Magnificent has taken his final bow. Praise for Dorko the Magnificent "A young would-be magician gets lessons in both stagecraft and life from a crusty elder... the supporting characters steal the show." ―Kirkus Reviews "Short chapters keep the story moving. Robbie has impressive determination, but it is Grandma Melvyn who is the star in this moving story." ―Booklist "Satisfying and enjoyable, Dorko will engage reluctant and voracious readers alike." ―School Library Journal " A thoroughly likable middle-grade novel, offering a blend of poignancy and giggle-worthy humor, this book is a solid back-to-school read." ―The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books "Literature circles would work well with this title that deals with alienation, friendship, family, reconciliation, and death." ―Library Media Connection

Robbie Darko is a magician. An old-school, pull-a-rabbit-out-of-your-hat-style magician. Robbie loves magic and he’s good at it―sort of. Despite his best efforts, passion, and practice, something always goes wrong with his tricks, landing Robbie in trouble. Enter crotchety Grandma Melvyn, who calls everyone “Trixie” and complains about everything. When Grandma Melvyn moves in and takes over his room, Robbie discovers that she was once an internationally renowned magician and learns about the heartache that turned her into a bitter woman. Against all odds, Robbie and Grandma Melvyn form an uneasy alliance to show the world―or at least the kids of Hobson Elementary School―that he is a true magician. Shortly after a successful talent show, Grandma Melvyn performs a final disappearing act, and Robbie learns a little about the true meaning of magic. Written with pitch-perfect middle-grade humor and unforgettable characters, this gem of a novel will stay with readers long after Dorko the Magnificent has taken his final bow. Praise for Dorko the Magnificent "A young would-be magician gets lessons in both stagecraft and life from a crusty elder... the supporting characters steal the show." ―Kirkus Reviews "Short chapters keep the story moving. Robbie has impressive determination, but it is Grandma Melvyn who is the star in this moving story." ―Booklist "Satisfying and enjoyable, Dorko will engage reluctant and voracious readers alike." ―School Library Journal " A thoroughly likable middle-grade novel, offering a blend of poignancy and giggle-worthy humor, this book is a solid back-to-school read." ―The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books "Literature circles would work well with this title that deals with alienation, friendship, family, reconciliation, and death." ―Library Media Connection

Maralys has a rival at school, and it's getting under her skin. Susan Ashby's father owns a technology company, and Susan uses that to her advantage during a class presentation. Maralys decides to show Susan how to do things Maker Club style. After a hectic trial-and-error period involving tea and lemon juice, not to mention a ton of pennies, Maralys assembles her own battery. How will her battery perform for the class presentation? Will Susan Ashby have the last laugh? Curious readers find the answers to these questions in the pages of this exciting and humorous narrative.

After accidentally causing every computer in the school to fill up with memes, Felix receives some straight talk from his older brother, Michael. Michael gives Felix an iron ring once worn by their father as a way to inspire him to embrace his strengths and work to overcome his weaknesses. Despite the pep talk, Felix loses the ring down a pool drain at school the next day. What can he do? He goes to the other Makers for help. Together, the Magnificent Makers create their own electromagnet! But will it work?

Wayne, the Maker Club's vegan member, wants to stand up for his beliefs, but his biology teacher, Mr. Jensen, has other plans. After refusing to dissect a frog in Jensen's class, Wayne is sent to the principal's office. Luckily, other people including the principal, the Maker Club adviser, and the other members of the club are more understanding. And they have an idea! Readers will follow along as Wayne, Sadie, Felix, and Maralys make a robotic frog for a class of third graders. How will Mr. Jensen respond to this alternative project? Readers will thoroughly enjoy discovering the answer.

Maralys has a rival at school, and it's getting under her skin. Susan Ashby's father owns a technology company, and Susan uses that to her advantage during a class presentation. Maralys decides to show Susan how to do things Maker Club style. After a hectic trial-and-error period involving tea and lemon juice, not to mention a ton of pennies, Maralys assembles her own battery. How will her battery perform for the class presentation? Will Susan Ashby have the last laugh? Curious readers find the answers to these questions in the pages of this exciting and humorous narrative.

The Makers are invited to compete in a local STEM fair, which has prizes for the top presenting schools. Maker Sadie desperately wants to beat the team from nearby Skillby Tech. Inspired by a local sanitation workers' strike, Sadie decides to create a series of "junkbots" using her school's new 3-D printer. However, she comes to school to find that the printer has been sabotaged...or has it? Sadie is devastated and suspects the team from Skillby Tech. Readers will be excited to learn the truth behind Sadie's junkbots.

Wayne, the Maker Club's vegan member, wants to stand up for his beliefs, but his biology teacher, Mr. Jensen, has other plans. After refusing to dissect a frog in Jensen's class, Wayne is sent to the principal's office. Luckily, other people including the principal, the Maker Club adviser, and the other members of the club are more understanding. And they have an idea! Readers will follow along as Wayne, Sadie, Felix, and Maralys make a robotic frog for a class of third graders. How will Mr. Jensen respond to this alternative project? Readers will thoroughly enjoy discovering the answer.

After accidentally causing every computer in the school to fill up with memes, Felix receives some straight talk from his older brother, Michael. Michael gives Felix an iron ring once worn by their father as a way to inspire him to embrace his strengths and work to overcome his weaknesses. Despite the pep talk, Felix loses the ring down a pool drain at school the next day. What can he do? He goes to the other Makers for help. Together, the Magnificent Makers create their own electromagnet! But will it work?

The Makers are invited to compete in a local STEM fair, which has prizes for the top presenting schools. Maker Sadie desperately wants to beat the team from nearby Skillby Tech. Inspired by a local sanitation workers' strike, Sadie decides to create a series of "junkbots" using her school's new 3-D printer. However, she comes to school to find that the printer has been sabotaged...or has it? Sadie is devastated and suspects the team from Skillby Tech. Readers will be excited to learn the truth behind Sadie's junkbots.