Books like Second-hand Magic by Ruth Chew
In "Second‑hand Magic," Ruth Chew presents a charming tale for young readers. When a pair of brothers and sisters find a kite that grants them magical abilities, they complement its powers with a collection of second‑hand treasures from a nearby store. The story follows their imaginative adventures, blending themes of family, imagination, and the wonder of everyday objects.
The book celebrates the playful bond between siblings and the creativity that can be sparked by simple, ordinary items turned extraordinary. Its colorful setting and whimsical plot make it an engaging read for children who enjoy fantasy and the magic hidden in the ordinary.
With its focus on brother‑sister camaraderie and the joy of transforming ordinary things into extraordinary experiences, "Second‑hand Magic" offers a delightful exploration of imagination and familial love.
First publish date: 1981
Genre: Children's Fiction/Children's Fantasy
Authors: Ruth Chew
★
★
★
★
★
5.0 (1 community ratings)
How are these books recommended?
The books recommended for Second-hand Magic by Ruth Chew are shaped by reader interaction. Votes on how closely books relate, user ratings, and community comments all help refine these recommendations and highlight books readers genuinely find similar in theme, ideas, and overall reading experience.
Have you read any of these books?
Your votes, ratings, and comments help improve recommendations and make it easier
for other readers to discover books they’ll enjoy.
Books similar to Second-hand Magic (22 similar books)
The Witches is a dark fantasy for children by Roald Dahl that follows a young boy and his grandmother as they confront a secret society of child‑hating witches ruled by the Grand High Witch.
Similar?
✓ Yes
0
✗ No
0
In *The Wishing Spell*, twin siblings are transported to a world where classic fairy‑tale characters live in unexpected roles—a warrior Red Riding Hood, a hidden Frog Prince, and a pregnant Snow White ruler—while they must navigate perilous lands to reach Snow White’s castle.
Similar?
✓ Yes
0
✗ No
0
When a haunted dollhouse illuminates the night, sisters Amy and her sister with a mental disability investigate the past murders that befell their family.
Similar?
✓ Yes
0
✗ No
0
Jack and Annie use their magic tree house to travel back to the American Revolution, where they aid General George Washington during his famous crossing of the Delaware River.
Similar?
✓ Yes
0
✗ No
0
Peter Pan and the lost boys return to Neverland after a nightmare crisis.
Similar?
✓ Yes
0
✗ No
0
Thisbe, one of two twins, is trapped in underground catacombs where the bones of ancient dragon rulers are extracted for their hidden magic. Learning to control her own fiery powers, she must escape before the caves swallow her.
Similar?
✓ Yes
0
✗ No
0
Wisty and Whit Allgood, a brother and sister duo, discover a mysterious and magical stranger named Heath, setting them on a new adventure that challenges their relationship and reveals hidden powers.
Similar?
✓ Yes
0
✗ No
0
Twins discover they are djinn, set on a quest to find the tomb of Akhenaten, a pharaoh who vanished mysteriously.
Similar?
✓ Yes
0
✗ No
0
Maerad, a bard, and her brother Hem must confront great trials to unlock the Tree of Song, awaken ancient music, and vanquish the Nameless One.
Similar?
✓ Yes
0
✗ No
0
Jack and Annie are whisked away by the Magic Tree House to Australia, where they confront a wildfire threatening local wildlife and must act to rescue the animals before the flames spread.
Similar?
✓ Yes
0
✗ No
0
Ellen, a ten‑year‑old girl, discovers a silver crown on her pillow on her birthday. When her home burns and her parents vanish, she embarks on a perilous quest through woods and a castle of captives, chasing a machine that covets her crown.
Similar?
✓ Yes
0
✗ No
0
When Pete repairs a house leak, his miniature ladder expands into a full-sized one, propelling a brother and sister into a series of enchanting adventures.
Similar?
✓ Yes
0
✗ No
0
Chip and his sister Wilma use a pair of binoculars the wrong way and find themselves magically transported to eleventh‑century China, where adventure and history intertwine.
Similar?
✓ Yes
0
✗ No
0
When twins Laura and Jane meet a girl who eats glass and can sit on the ceiling, they discover she’s a witch—a magical adventure filled with humor and mystery for young readers.
Similar?
✓ Yes
0
✗ No
0
Jen Mace and her new friend Mike Stewart discover a world of magic while exploring Prospect Park, sparking friendship and adventure for young readers.
Similar?
✓ Yes
0
✗ No
0
A quirky short magician in Brooklyn discovers that magic can be both wondrous and mischievously tricky when he and his friends uncover secrets in a new attic.
Similar?
✓ Yes
0
✗ No
0
Centric to Alderley Edge, two siblings uncover a long‑lost magical relic as they escape supernatural hunters, aided by a wizard who guards dormant knights in subterranean caves.
Similar?
✓ Yes
0
✗ No
0
A magical escape for a young brother and sister in the Pied Piper legends of Germany.
Similar?
✓ Yes
0
✗ No
0
An imaginative adventure for toddlers in which siblings Rachel and Scott discover a model kit that houses a magical hammer capable of becoming invisible and altering the size of objects.
Similar?
✓ Yes
0
✗ No
0
Some Other Similar Books
The Magic D-mat by William SleatorThe Ghosts of Sleuth House by Cynthia Rylant
The Secret of the Old Clock by Nancy Drew
The Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder
The Haunted School by Dav Pilkey
The Enchanted Castle by E. Nesbit
Have a similar book in mind? Let others know!
Please login to submit books!