Midnight for Charlie Bone was written by a British author named Jenny Nimmo.  It is the first of eight books in the Children of the Red King series.  This series is among my favorites.  The books refer to an ancient magician known as the Red King.  His magical powers have passed down through his descendants for generations.

Charlie Bone is a ten-year old boy living with his mother, uncle and two grandmothers.  Throughout his childhood, Charlie has been told that his father is missing.  Despite this, Charlie continues to hope that he will see his father someday.  Life is otherwise normal until one day he discovers that he can hear people talking in photographs.  Charlie realizes that he has a special power.

Charlie’s three strange aunts soon arrive for a visit, pleased to learn of his power.  They enroll him in a special school for gifted children called Bloor’s Academy.  Charlie begins to realize that other children in the school have magical powers as well.  He also learns that the Bloor family in charge of the school is engaged in dark and sinister schemes.  Charlie realizes that there is more than meets the eye in this academy, and he is determined to uncover the truth.

I found it hard to put down this book once I started.  The story is engrossing because of its many mysteries.  I became anxious to find out about Charlie’s missing father, and about the history of the children who possess magical powers.  Many questions are left unanswered in this book, so I was excited to read the other books in the series.  The adventures are fast-paced, so I enjoyed reading the series in quick succession.  You will likely want to read the other books in the series as well after reading this one.

-Oliver H.

Midnight For Charlie Bone by Jenny Nimmo is available for checkout from the Mission Viejo Library. It can also be downloaded for free from Overdrive.