Gr 3—5—In this sequel to Be a Genie in Six Easy Steps (HarperCollins, 2009) stepsiblings Milly, Michael, Jason, and Jess meet up with Fenella, a phoenix with a problem. She needs help to gather the sacred ingredients that will help her hatch her baby, an event that has never before been possible. The children are given magical feathers to travel through time and are tempted to use the powers of the sacred ingredients to solve their own personal problems. They soon find out that there are no shortcuts to overcoming troubles and that it takes courage and determination to face the obstacles that get in the way of success. Children who grew up loving Mary Pope Osborne's "Magic Tree House" series (Random) will enjoy this lively romp into the world of the mystical and magical. The story moves quickly, and the characters come with their own peculiarities, strengths, and weaknesses that endear them to readers. Though the book contains undisguised lessons in making good choices, the negative toll of lies, and the consequences of self-promotion, they do not detract from the adventure. The happily-ever-after ending is a satisfying conclusion to the trials and tribulations suffered by the children in their efforts to do the right thing and help a friend in need.—Debra Banna, Sharon Public Library, MA
Milly, Michael, Jason, and Jess, the stepsiblings from Be a Genie in Six Easy Steps, have the world's only phoenix roosting in their garden. While collecting magical egg-hatching aids, the children stumble into a sinister trap to sap the phoenix's power. Some flat characterizations and a moralizing tone detract from the adventure, but the plot has good pacing and plenty of suspense.
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