Double or Nothing

This tender and sensitive novel celebrates a boy's devotion, faith and wonder. Although Uncle Frank's death has left Sam with a tremendous sense of loss, grief becomes mingled with excitement when the nine-year-old receives a large collection of magic tricks--the tools of his uncle's trade. Already an amateur magician, Sam prepares a one-man show to commemorate his late uncle's birthday. During his debut, Sam discovers a new kind of magic that is produced by his captive audience. Even though the real star of this novel--Phantasmagoric Frank--is dead when the story begins, his whimsy and wisdom will be felt as his nephew recalls past events. While focusing on Sam's attempts to emulate his idol, Talbert ( Toby ; The Paper Knife ) expresses poetic, keenly perceptive ideas about people and their visions of the world. Ages 8-12. (Oct.)