Ridley shook her head. “You don’t understand. You can’t be in it. Neither of you know illusion work.”
“That’s not true!” said Olly. He grabbed Izzy’s hand and tried to pull off her thumb.
“Ouch!” Izzy cried, smacking her brother.
“I think magic is about more than stagecraft,” Carter said. “It’s about happiness. It’s about laughter. It’s about that feeling you get inside. I think Olly and Izzy do that.”
“Well put,” Theo said, patting Carter on the back.
“I agree!” Leila said.
“Fine.” Ridley gave in. “But in the future, new members will be subject to a rigorous nomination process.”
“So, what are we going to call ourselves?” Leila asked.
“How about the Magical Greats?” suggested Ridley.
“The Magic Diamonds?” tried Carter.
“We need something unique, just like us,” said Theo.
Then Carter said, “Seems like everyone’s been calling us misfits. Bosso. The Pock-Pickets.”
“I like the idea of using the bad guys’ label for us,” said Ridley. “That is powerful.”
“Misfits,” Leila repeated, trying out the word. “Nice.”
“Agreed,” Olly and Izzy said.
Theo gave a thumbs-up.
“The Magic Misfits,” Carter said. He loved it. It was almost as if the fact that he’d never fit in was what made him belong right here at this table. “Well, now that we have our name, what should we do first?”
“Teach ourselves more magic, of course,” Leila said.
Carter had learned how to do magic tricks from his uncle. But those were just that: tricks. There was no magic involved. From his new family and friends, Carter was learning that real magic did exist. You just had to know where to look.
HOW TO…
Read Another Person’s Mind!
No! Don’t go yet! The book isn’t over. I have one more trick to teach you before you leave. Also, have I mentioned this is only the first book in the series? There are three more tales to go, each one bigger and grander than the previous. And in each, you’ll learn even more magic. Dare I say by the end of this series—if you’ve practiced, practiced, practiced—you’ll be a true magician! I’m rambling, aren’t I? Where was I? Oh yes, another magic trick!
In the Magic Misfits’ next adventure, they shall encounter a dangerous villain who claims to have psychic powers.
I’m not going to declare that there are—or are not—people who can actually read your mind. But I can tell you that with a little know-how, you too can learn how to READ SOMEONE ELSE’S MIND! Yes, you read that right.
Here’s how to know the number that someone is thinking! You can do this with anyone and with any number. All you need are these instructions and a little math! (You may even use this to boggle your math teacher! Though he or she may say, “I told you so.… Math is useful!”)
WHAT YOU NEED:
Paper and pencil–unless you’re really good at math.
You can also use a calculator!
STEPS:
1. Ask someone to think of a number. Any number! Make sure they write it down and put it in their pocket. (You can also do this trick over the phone.)
2. Now tell that friend to subtract 1 from that number.
3. Have them multiply that number by 2.
4. Then have your friend add their original number to that new number.
5. Now have him or her reveal that new number to you.
**Secret magician math: Now, as quick as you can (this is where those math classes come in handy): In your head, take that new number, and add 2.
**Second secret magician math: Then, in your head, divide that number by 3.
6. Finally, you can announce their original number, and they will think you are AMAZING. TA-DA!
You are now a psychic—or really good at math. (Or both!) Either way, you’re well on your way to being the next great magician. Now what do you need to do? That’s right: Practice, practice, practice. (And then nap and snack and practice again. I shouldn’t even have to say it at this point, should I?) When the Misfits return, they’ll be bringing more magic with them! Be ready.…
ONE LAST THING…
Hold on. Don’t go. Please stay just a few moments longer.
You didn’t think I’d let you close the book on Carter’s tale so easily, did you? What good is any worthwhile magic show—or story, for that matter—without one last shocking reveal?
For my final trick, I request that you look at the previous page and… Pick a card. Any card.
Now concentrate on that card, very hard. Put all your energy into it. Maybe try squinting your eyes for a moment. Concentrate! With all your might! You can do it! I believe in you! Yes! Brilliant!
You’ve done it. Now, while still concentrating on your card, think back on the story you’ve just read. Try to remember if you’ve seen your card on any of the pages throughout this book. Go back and flip through the whole thing again. See if you can find it. I am more than willing to wait.…
Did you find your card? Oh really? How interesting.
By now, I’m sure you’ve realized that what I’m playing at here is merely a bit of misdirection. You are well aware that this trick isn’t about the card you picked—it is about the cards you observed while flipping through the book. What do they mean?
You clever little things noticed it was a secret code, didn’t you? Sigh. You are much too smart for your own good.
Do you understand the cipher? Let’s just say sometimes it helps to hold things up to the light. A little illumination can often shed light on a mystery.
Got it? Good. Now use it to decipher the hidden message throughout Carter’s story.
If you’ve ever dreamed of being in a club like the Magic Misfits, you’ve probably already imagined secretly communicating with your friends. So feel free to use our card code to create your own messages too! Simple. Easy peasy!
That’s all I have for you now.… Why don’t you take a break? Go outside and run around. You probably have time before your dinner (or breakfast) is ready. Until next we meet: Be well, be clever, and most important, be magical.
Oh, and don’t bother looking for any other secrets hidden in the pages of this book. You certainly won’t find any… or will you?