Educational Media Reviews Online

Death and dying are never easy topics to cope with or discuss, but when a child is faced with the loss of a parent or parents, these painful aspects of life can become overwhelming. The Magic Within follows the day-to-day life of Jessica, an adolescent who lost her parents in a car crash just a few months before. Jessica's aunt, her guardian, attempts to break through the wall of sadness and anger that Jessica has built up, but doesn't have much luck. When night falls, Jessica often dreams that she is lost in the dark, and needs to find a way across a ravine. Her parents' voices can be heard telling her to run, not give up, and that she will find the way. Problems at school escalate when a troubled bully named Dawn picks on Jessica, vowing to "get" her. Only the seemingly magical powers of another student, Peter, appear to have any calming affect on Dawn's rage. Filled with nuance and subtlety, the story continues, and Jessica is finally able to reach within herself and find peace. The ravine in Jessica's life is bridged.

The Magic Within portrays a young person's struggle for emotional and psychological survival following the death of her parents. The program doesn't offer specific methods or treatments, but suggests that healing must come from within. The combination of caring family members, good friends, and a goal to strive towards, all aid in the process. While this program is suggestive and full of symbolism, it is concrete and powerful enough to reach out and be understood by children as well as adults. It is recommended for any library that serves those who work with children.