This is the first in the Wizard Buddy series. A nice idea to get boys to read - which can be a daunting task at times!
The story starts with Tyler Dunsmore worrying about his physical disability (he's deaf) and his inability to make friends. And there appears Dirk, a wizard, literally out of this air. The two immediately bond, although Dirk has a hard time understanding the concept of deafness and makes some blunt remarks. The rest of the tale takes the reader through the next 3 months during which Dirk helps Tyler gain more confidence in class, make new friends and learn some self-esteem.
The story is very sympathetic towards kids with disabilities who have to make their way through regular school. Tyler has to face bullies and unintentional unkindness that makes you really feel for his plight. He also learns to cope better with his problems, and he realizes that others have problems too - one boy has to cope with a parent with mental illness, while another has lost his Dad to cancer. Tyler also learns how to be a good friend in turn, and that true friendship needs work from both parties concerned.
My only negative thought about the book is this - as an adult I can appreciate and enjoy all the above, but would pre-teenage boys feel the same? There are some scenes full of excitement like when Dirk takes Tyler on some adventures, but I wonder if there is enough of that to sustain interest? ( )

Tyler, a somewhat unpopular boy, wishes for a best friend and one arrives like magic - a young wizard named Dirk. A great best friend, Dirk protects Tyler from bullies, helps him become one of the coolest boys at school, and takes him on wild adventures.

This is a great YA novel! ( )