My Magical Life
#1 in Zach King Trilogy Series
on Goodreads (301)
What’s inside...
Award-winning digital media star Zach King brings his unique brand of magic to the first installment of a lively, fun-filled trilogy about Zach, a middle schooler in search of his magical powers while navigating the crazy, confusing world of public school. Big Nate meets DanTDM in a debut middle grade adventure by social media superstar Zach King. The book comes complete with a code for a downloadable app that brings Zach’s vibrant world to fully animated, three-dimensional life. Zach My Magical Life is also coming to theaters soon, as the project has been picked up by Steven Spielberg’s Amblin Entertainment. Everyone in Zach King’s family has a magical power. His father can turn back time, his sister can turn invisible, and his mother can transform any object into something else. And Zach…well, he hasn’t found his magical power yet and his family is growing worried that he’s been “skipped.” So his parents decide to stop homeschooling him in magical arts and send him instead to a regular middle school with regular kids. To Zach, it’s the worst news ever. Who wants to be ordinary when everyone around them is extraordinary? But Zach quickly learns that going to regular school with regular kids isn’t all that bad. Who knew having real friends would be so much fun? And just when Zach least expects it, he discovers a pair of magical snapbacks that might just be the magical thing he’s been looking for his whole life. The only thing standing in his way is the school bully, Tricia Stands. She’s determined to make sure Zach doesn’t get more popular than she is, and so she plans a prank so awful, so evil, it could cause the biggest disaster Horace Greeley Middle School has ever seen. For fans of Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Timmy Failure, and Trayaurus and the Enchanted Crystal and anyone who’s ever wondered where they belong, this is the perfect book for you.
Why read this book
- Captivating magical adventures spark children's imagination.
- Relatable protagonist enhances emotional connection and empathy.
- Encourages creative problem-solving and resilience.
- Ideal blend of fun and educational content.
Character compass
Zach King
Discussion points
If you could have any magical power like the character in the book, what would it be and why?
How did the character's actions change the story? What would you do differently if you were in their place?
What are some ways the character used their magic to solve problems? Can you think of non-magical ways to solve the same problems?
How did the friendships in the story change from the beginning to the end? How important are friends when facing challenges?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in the magical world of the book. Ask them to describe what their role would be and explore the responsibilities that come with magical powers.
Discuss the moral dilemmas faced by the characters. This can lead to a deeper understanding of right and wrong and the consequences of our actions.
Connect the story's themes to real-life situations. This helps children apply the lessons learned in the book to their everyday lives, enhancing both comprehension and empathy.
Celebrate creativity by brainstorming alternative endings or additional magical adventures with your child. This not only engages their imagination but also enhances their storytelling skills.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Creativity and Innovation
Explanation: In 'My Magical Life,' the protagonist demonstrates creative problem-solving skills to navigate challenges in the magical world.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by thinking outside the box in their daily activities and school projects, enhancing their ability to innovate and create unique solutions.
Example Lesson: Resilience and Perseverance
Explanation: Throughout the story, the main character faces numerous obstacles but always persists, showing resilience.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of persisting through difficulties they encounter, whether it be in learning new skills, dealing with social situations, or facing academic challenges.
Example Lesson: Importance of Friendship
Explanation: The book highlights the value of friendship through the supportive relationships the protagonist builds in his adventures.
Real-World Application: Children learn to foster and value friendships in their own lives, understanding that cooperation and support are key elements of positive relationships.
Example Lesson: Self-Discovery and Identity
Explanation: As the main character explores the magical world, he also discovers more about himself and his unique abilities.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to explore and embrace their own identities and abilities, promoting self-confidence and self-awareness.
Example Lesson: Ethical Decision-Making
Explanation: Choices between right and wrong are a constant in the narrative, providing the protagonist with moral dilemmas.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to think critically about ethics and the impact of their decisions on others, fostering a sense of morality and integrity.