School Library Journal Review
Gr 4-6-Fifth grade has been tough for Robbie Darko, an aspiring illusionist who can't perform even the simplest trick without accidentally setting things on fire. His dad constantly travels for work, his mom tries to help make ends meet with a demanding new job, his teachers are fed up with his havoc-wreaking magic tricks, and his little brother is a huge pain. To make matters worse, Robbie is asked to give up his bedroom to eccentric and unrelentingly cantankerous Grandma Melvyn (actually, his great-great-aunt). Robbie eventually learns that Grandma Melvyn was once a celebrated magician. With the help of his affable friend Cat, he slowly earns Grandma's approval and, ultimately, her trust and affection. She not only coaches Robbie in showmanship and sleight of hand, but she also guides him down the path to self-confidence and self-discipline. Robbie's maturation is ultimately tested when Grandma Melvyn makes a final trip to the hospital. Beaty develops well-rounded main and supporting characters with genuine flaws and emotions, skillfully building their relationships. Though the protagonist's flashback narration occasionally meanders, it has an authentic middle-grade voice that will have readers laughing out loud. The moments where Robbie takes responsibility for his mistakes and shows vulnerability will serve as positive examples for young audiences. Satisfying and enjoyable, Dorko will engage reluctant and voracious readers alike.-Elly Schook, Jamieson Elementary School, Chicago (c) Copyright 2013. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Reseña de Publisher's Weekly
Fifth-grader Robbie Darko has been obsessed with becoming a magician for years, but the illusions he performs tend to end in disaster. Robbie is less than excited when his grandmother moves in with his family temporarily, but could Grandma Melvyn-with her bedazzled sweatshirts, steady stream of insults, and Wheel of Fortune obsession-actually be a master of misdirection herself? The testy intergenerational relationship between Robbie and his grandmother forms the heart of the story; the family's financial troubles, Robbie's father's frequent absences, and Robbie's friendships hover at the periphery. Humor and poignancy, triumph and failure are balanced throughout, though Beaty (Attack of the Fluffy Bunnies) sends the story veering to tragedy in the final pages in a way that is likely to surprise (and possibly upset) readers. Nonetheless, while Robbie explains early on that he won't be divulging any magicians' secrets ("If you're reading this book to find out how magic tricks work... you're reading the wrong story"), readers will come away learning at least one key to making magic: hard work. Ages 8-12. Agent: Edward Necarsulmer IV, McIntosh & Otis. (Apr.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
Reseña de Horn Book
Robbie Darko is a fifth-grade magician whose tricks often go awry. When grumpy Grandma Melvyn moves into his family's chaotic household, Robbie discovers she's the perfect mentor to help him with his talent show act. But he ends up learning more than a few magic tricks. Despite some annoying characters, this story manages to be both funny and touching. (c) Copyright 2013. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Kirkus Review
A young would-be magician gets lessons in both stagecraft and life from a crusty elder. Fifth-grader Robbie Darko is horrified to learn that he'll be giving up his room to terrifying, old Grandma Melvyn while she waits for a knee operation. Discovering that she had been a renowned magician in her early days, though, he sees opportunity. He earns her respect and enlists her help with his act for the upcoming school talent show by gradually learning how to stand up to her harsh tongue and temper. What she teaches him are not new tricks but deeper principles, from "Your job is to make [audiences] believe impossible things" to the values of relentless preparation and of flexibility when things go wrong. These initially seem disappointingly abstract but stand him in good stead both for the show and for when Grandma Melvyn takes another, final trip to the hospital. The author creates a sympathetic cast, but Robbie's habit of refusing to describe his tricks while overexplaining everything else in his life may leave readers wanting to know less about him and more about Grandma Melvyn and his best friend Cat, a classmate with a real gift for connecting with people. Beaty slips in some important stuff here, but the supporting characters steal the show. (Fiction. 10-12)]] Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Reseña de Booklist
Preparing for an unforgettable performance at the school talent show, aspiring magician Robbie Darko gets some surprising help from an elderly relative when wobble-eyed Grandma Melvyn reveals her skills. Times are hard in the fifth-grader's family. His father's new, not-so-good job keeps him on the road much of the time, and his mother works long hours, too. Worse, Robbie has to share a bedroom with his six-year-old brother, Ape Boy, while Grandma Melvyn waits for the knee operation that will allow her to return to her own home. Robbie tells the story of his growing attachment to the crotchety old woman, with plenty of asides explaining his life, his passion for magic, and proper magician technique (but not how his tricks are done). Short chapters keep the story moving. Robbie has impressive determination, but it is Grandma Melvyn who is the star in this moving story. Gradually Robbie comes to learn her backstory and to care deeply about her. Middle-grade readers will admire her, too.--Isaacs, Kathleen Copyright 2010 Booklist
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