Title: The great magician
First published: 1983
Description: It presents a realistic fiction story about the eldest son, John, from a poor village.  His father sends him off to seek his fortune because his family is so large that there is not enough food for everyone.  John decides that he wants to be a magician.  He travels the whole country to watch and learn from every magician.  In time, he becomes the most famous magician in the land.  The King of the country has all his silver flatware, dinnerware, and other utensils stolen.  He calls for John to help.  He places John in a dungeon and threatens to hang him if he does not find the thief in three days.  While in the dungeon, John discovers the three thieves who are the King's servants.  He makes them swear not to steal again and to return all the stolen silver items or else he will tell the king.  He makes them swear not to ever steal again.  The King and Queen are happy when John finds all their silver items.
Subjects: Realistic fiction for elementary level children
Places: Perhaps the English countryside not far from a palace or castle
People: John, the eldest son of a poor family
Time periods: Probably in the Middle Ages