Black and Blue Magic

From a three-time Newbery Honor author: Harry Houdini Marco had it hard enough as a normal clumsy twelve-year-old—but growing wings made it even worse.
 Except for his unusual name, Harry Houdini Marco is unremarkable in every way. While his namesake was the greatest illusionist of all time, Harry can’t even catch a ball. He is on the verge of a long, boring summer—and he is dreading every moment of it. Then he meets a mysterious traveling salesman named Mr. Mazzeeck. But Mr. Mazzeeck is more than a traveling salesman, he’s a wizard—at least, he claims to be. Before he leaves town, Mr. Mazzeeck gives Harry a bottle of magical oil, saying that the potion will give him wings. And to Harry’s amazement, the oil works: He gets wings! Now he just has to figure out how to use them. This book features an extended biography of Zilpha Keatley Snyder.

Zilpha Keatley Snyder (b. 1927) is a three-time Newbery Honor–winning author of adventure and fantasy novels for children. Her smart, honest, and accessible narrative style has made her books beloved by generations. When not writing, she enjoys reading and traveling. Snyder lives in Mill Valley, California.