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Don't Expect Magic
Sent to sunny L.A. to live with the dad she hardly knows after her mother’s death, teenage Delaney is eager to get back to New Jersey as soon as she can. Her dad is a famous self-help guru (Dr. Hank), but Delaney long ago gave up wishing he’d show more interest in her life. Delaney and her dad are stumbling through their early days together when she discovers the secret to his fame: He’s a fairy godfather—yes, the kind with a wand. Although her dad is doubtful she’s inherited the gift (fairy godparents are a dying breed) Delaney isn’t sure. In fact, she’s determined to find her own client and earn her wand as quickly as possible so that she can leave L.A. She chooses Flynn, the geeky yearbook editor. Convinced he has a crush on Cadie, the head cheerleader, Delaney gets wrapped up in trying to bring them together. As it turns out, focusing on others’ happiness instead of her own misery is the best thing for Delaney. Author Kathy McCullough blends frothy humor with some welcome substance in a novel that features a developing father-daughter relationship, emerging friendships, a little romance, and one or two twists that may or may not surprise readers. ©2011 Cooperative Children's Book Center
CCBC Age Recommendation: Ages 11-14
Age Range:
Grades 6-8 (Ages 11-13)
Grades 9-12 (Age 14 and older)
Format:
Novel
Subjects:
Fathers
Grief and Loss
Helpfulness
Humor
Identity
Love and Romance
Magic
Moving
Publisher:
Delacorte
Publish Year: 2011
Pages: 256
ISBN: 9780385740128
CCBC Location: Fiction, McCullough