The Amulet of Samarkand by Jonathan Stroud (Bartimaeus Sequence #1)

Nathaniel, a young magician's apprentice, becomes caught in a web of magical espionage, murder, and rebellion, after he summons the djinni Bartimaeus and instructs him to steal the Amulet of Samarkand from the powerful magician Simon Loveland.

Recommended by Mr. Engvall, English/Social Studies Teacher: “It is funny and witty with a fast moving plot. It has depth and focuses on political/psychological issues. If students enjoy the book there are three others in the sequence.”