The Magic in ME is based on a true story from the childhood of Author Amy Brook Middleton. Fascinated with magic shows she saw on TV, Amy diligently saved her allowance of 50 cents a week she earned from doing household chores and purchased magic tricks from a catalog. Anticipation grew as she saved and saved and eventually awaited the package deliveries, only to dissipate soon after discovering the magic tricks' secrets. Eager to relive the excitement and anticipation, Amy would start the process again, selecting another trick, saving her allowance, eagerly awaiting the delivery, and discovering the deep dark secrets of the trick. Once Amy accumulated a collection of magic tricks, she was eager to receive a return on her investment and told her parents she wanted to perform magic shows. The idea quickly became a family affair. Her mother Karen Wright Middleton hand made the tuxedo and cape pictured on the front cover of this book. She also made a cape for Amy's younger brother Mark Wright Middleton who served as her trusted assistant in every show. And since Amy and Mark were under legal driving age, their father Clare Donald Middleton dressed in a suit and served as their chauffeur. Amy placed an ad in the newspaper to perform magic shows at parties for $5 a show. The performance was successful and continued until Amy outgrew her tuxedo and realized a profit beyond the sought after R.O.I. Yet the family tradition continues now with Amy's niece Emily Lynn Grace Middleton, daughter of her brother Matthew David Middleton and sister in law Desire Middleton. Amy gave Emily a magic set for Christmas and together Amy and Emily have written this book and created the illustrations. The Magic in ME is intended to instill self confidence in young people by empowering them through entrepreneurial pursuits. The authors of this book hope all who read it find the magic within themselves to make the most of their lives and the world around them.
