Bronson's Favorite Books of All Time
Below is a list of some of Bronson's favorite books, not including instructional books magic tricks. All of these works are likely to be available in your local library or available from your local book seller. The works below appear in no particular order. Please note that some of these works may require parental guidance to sensitive or young readers.
Ethan Frome
by Edith Wharton
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Reading Level: 8th Grade+
Novel, Novella, Fiction, Realistic Fiction, Romance
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A classic work of literature and widely recognized as the first "frame story."
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A small-town farmer in New England in the early 20th century is faced with financial turmoil and the rigors of family life.
Bud, Not Buddy
by Christopher Paul Curtis
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Reading Level: 4th Grade+
Novel, Realistic Fiction, Ethnic Diversity, Historical Fiction
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A boy runs away from home to find his birth father who is a magician in a jazz band.
The Crucible
by Arthur Miller
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Reading Level: 9th Grade+
Play, Fiction, Based on True Events, Allegorical, Period Piece, Realistic Fiction
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The classic play that explores the Salem Witch Trials and serves as an allegory for the American Red Scare.
Daisy-Head Mayzie
by Dr. Seuss
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Reading Level: 2nd Grade+
Novel, Fiction, Comedy, Poetic
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A girl who looks a little different learns to make sense of her life situation.
Diary of a Young Girl
by Anne Frank
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Reading Level: 8th Grade+
Autobiography, Nonfiction, War, Romance, Tragedy, Jewish Literature, Authentic, Slow Burn
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Also known as The Diary of Anne Frank, this heartbreaking work explores the teenage life of a Jewish girl named Anne in hiding with family from Nazi soldiers in World War II.
The Gospel According to Luke
by Luke
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Reading Level: 6th Grade+
Nonfiction, Historical, Narrative, Letter Format
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The ancient doctor known only as "Luke" writes a letter to a man named Theophilus detailing the story of Jesus Christ and his affect on society during the time through miracles and teachings. The Gospel of Luke is a practical introduction to basic Biblical teachings and is a good starting point for better understanding the Bible as a whole.
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
by JK Rowling
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Reading Level: 6th Grade+
Modern Fantasy Fiction
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In his sixth year of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, teenage Harry Potter must uncover the secrets of the dark wizard Voldemort in order to defeat him once and for all.
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While Bronson enjoys the entire Harry Potter series, this one in particular is Bronson's favorite.
Hatchet
by Gary Paulsen
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Reading Level: 5th Grade+
Fiction, Realistic Fiction, Coming of Age, Survival Story, Nature, Poetic Style, Classic
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A teenage boy survives a plane crash in the Canadian backcounty. Lost and with no communication with the outside world, he must survive the wilderness and find a way back home.
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Other books by Gary Paulsen are also highly recommended by Bronson including sequel and spinoff stories to this book like Brian's Winter and The River.
The Hobbit
by JRR Tolkien
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Reading Level: 5th Grade+
Fiction, Fantasy Fiction, Classic, British Style
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Bilbo Baggins, a small creature known as a Hobbit joins a wizard and a band of dwarves in search for forgotten treasures guarded by a fire-breathing dragon in the mythical realm of Middle Earth. This book is the prelude to The Lord of the Rings.
James and the Giant Peach
by Roald Dahl
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Reading Level: 3rd Grade+
Fiction, Children's Literature, Classic, Comedy
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A young boy coping with living with abusive family escapes the house aboard a giant traveling magical peach.
Wild at Heart
by John Eldredge
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Reading Level: 9th Grade+
Faith, Nonfiction, Books for Men
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Explores the male mindset including the psychological need for adventure, challenge, and faith.
Island of the Blue Dolphins
by Scott o'Dell
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Reading Level: 4th Grade+
Realistic Fiction, Survival Story, Strong Female Lead, Introspective, Coming of Age
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A young girl finds herself alone on the island where she grew up and must learn to survive alone.
One Wintry Night
by Ruth Bell Graham
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Reading Level: 3rd Grade+
Faith, Narrative, Holiday, Religion, Philosophy
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A young boy listens to a story as narrated by an old woman during a snowstorm. The story takes the boy back in time to the beginning of the world through the age of the Roman Empire.
Spellbound: The Wonder Filled Life of Doug Henning
by John Harrison
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Reading Level: 10th Grade+
Biography, Nonfiction
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The story of one of the first modern celebrity magicians and how he rebranded the world of magic entertainment.
Trouping with Dante
by Marion S. Trikosko
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Reading Level: 10th Grade+
Autobiography, Nonfiction
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The true story of a young teenage boy who leaves home to join the backstage crew of a touring magic show at the end of the American Vaudeville age.
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Note: This is a rare book and only a handful were ever printed. Check with your local magic dealer such as at www.IllusionWarehouse.com
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Parental Guidance Note: This book contains some foul language to provide accurate historical perspective. Reader discretion advised.
Recommended Magic Texts
Magic is a great way to encourage kids to read outside the normal requirements for school. We recommend the following books below as a great place to start reading about and learning magic. At this time, these books are not available for purchase on our website but you can find them through online magic shops such as www.IllusionWarehouse.com or elsewhere online.
My First Magic Book
by Lawrence Leyton
Ages 5 - 11
Learn to make your own crafty magic supplies and put on a show! Currently out of print but available on Amazon.
Magic: The Complete Course
by Joshua Jay
Ages 7-17
A comprehensive and modern guide of general magical instruction.
Self-Working Table Magic
by Karl Fulves
Ages 8 - Adult
The classic text on tabletop tricks with everyday objects
Mark Wilson's Complete Course in Magic
by Mark Wilson
Ages 11 - adult
The original one-volume complete course in magic.