About BC Books Online
BC Books Online was created for anyone interested in BC-published books, and with librarians especially in mind. We'd like to make it easy for library staff to learn about books from BC publishers - both new releases and backlist titles - so you can inform your patrons and keep your collections up to date.
Our site features print books and ebooks - both new releases and backlist titles - all of which are available to order through regular trade channels. Browse our subject categories to find books of interest or create and export lists by category to cross-reference with your library's current collection.
A quick tip: When reviewing the "Browse by Category" listings, please note that these are based on standardized BISAC Subject Codes supplied by the books' publishers. You will find additional selections, grouped by theme or region, in our "BC Reading Lists."
Description
Alex wants to enter the Silver Stage magic competition, but he needs a sponsor.
Jack, a veteran card wizard, is willing to take on the role, but only if Alex agrees to team up with Zoe, another young magician—and Alex’s rival. Working with Jack and sharing the spotlight with Zoe, Alex comes to see that there are other ways to be a magician besides competing—and that magic is about entertaining people, not fooling them.
This short novel is a high-interest, low-reading level book for middle-grade readers who are building reading skills, want a quick read or say they don’t like to read!
Contributor Notes
Erin Thomas is the author of six books for young readers, two of which—Haze and Boarder Patrol—are part of the Orca Sports series. She has yet to perform a successful magic trick, although she’s working on a fancy card shuffle. She lives in Whitby, Ontario, with her family
Recommended Age, Grade, and Reading Levels
- Age:
- 9 to 12
- Grade:
- 4 to 7
- Reading age:
- 9 to 12
Editorial Reviews
"Short sentences and chapters make this perfect for reluctant readers. Within that format, the author is able to create interesting characters and a convincing story. Eventually, Alex comes full circle, learning that performing magic is a way to bring joy to others rather than performing for the sake of winning. This book is a perfect addition to libraries needing hi/lo titles."
— Library Media Connection
"Thomas has researched extensively, and magic becomes an effective backdrop for well-written characters and intriguing plotting. This novel is a convincing sleight of hand, with a carefully finessed reveal of meaningful life lessons."
— Resource Links
"Told from an easy-to-engage, first-person perspective, allowing readers to make their own judgments of the storyteller's opinions and perceptions."
— VOYA (Voice of Youth Advocates) Magazine
"An important story of growing up and finding meaning in the profession you aspire to. Many teens will go through similar anxieties and uncertainties to those that Alex goes through during the magic competition...With its simple and easy to comprehend language, Forcing the Ace is suitable for reluctant teen readers...Highly Recommended."
— CM: Canadian Review of Materials
"Succeeds by showing the value of cooperation—joining forces—and how a mentor can help a teen boy discover what really matters."
— LibraryThing
