Like Magic

For Grace, Jada, and Malia, it’s the biggest, loneliest summer of their lives--until they find a treasure box in the library with a hidden message. The girls begin to wonder: What if I’m not really so alone? Because with just the right treasures, and just the right friends, things really can turn out like magic.

Watch the Offical Book Trailer

“An endlessly endearing story of three girls’ pursuit of friendship and the beauty and challenge of what it means to be 10.”

Kirkus Reviews, starred review

For three ten-year-old girls, their once simple worlds are starting to feel too big.

Painfully shy Grace dreads starting fifth grade now that her best friend has moved away.

Jada hopes she’ll stop feeling so alone if she can find the mother who left her years ago.

And Malia fears the arrival of her new baby sister will forever change the family she loves.

Each girl is lost and hoping to be found. What all three girls end up finding, though, is a mysterious box in their library. As the box passes between the girls, they put their own precious things inside, and the treasures each girl discovers always seem to provide just the inspiration or answer she’s looking for. But something is still missing. It’s up to Grace, Jada, and Malia to take the treasures and turn them into something more: true friendship.

An image of the Like Magic book guide
Download a

Beyond the Book Guide

Bringing stories beyond the page with discussion questions, art lessons, yummy recipes, challenging riddles, mini science projects, fun crafts, poetry, and recommendations for more great books to read. Just pick your format, download, and enjoy!

Praise for Like Magic

A South Carolina Children's Book Award Nominee
Illustration of trophies

“Alternating chapters reveal each girl’s personal struggles and the pivotal role of art—painting, music, poetry—in her growth and healing....Touching, engrossing...The Salt Lake City, Utah, setting is fresh, the city’s landmarks and landscape adding another layer of richness to the novel...An endlessly endearing story of three girls’ pursuit of friendship and the beauty and challenge of what it means to be 10.”

Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

“Debut novelist Vickers has created three appealing, diverse characters with distinct talents and voices. Just right for sensitive tweens, this is a sweet story of friendship and learning to cope with common fears and life changes.”

School Library Journal

“Themes of sharing, trust, and family never overshadow the story’s heart: a natural longing for friendship and the unfettered joy of finding it.”

Publishers Weekly

“Endearing debut. The setting and gracefully-embedded ethnic differences add freshness to a story with a message that will stand the test of time: friendship is like magic.”

Booklist

"Three girls approaching fifth grade with dread find comfort--and each other--thanks to a perceptive librarian and her mysterious treasure box."

People Magazine

“Like Magic is truly a treasure.”

Liz Garton Scanlon, author of The Great Good Summer

“Perfect for young readers with creative minds.”

Deseret News
An image of a treasure box book entitled Amicitia

Create Your Own Treasure Box Book

Librarians, kids, parents, teachers! Make your own treasure book box using this free download (instructions included) and a few standard craft store supplies!

Download Illustration of stars

Get Your Copy Today