The Amulet of Samarkand      by Stroud, Jonathan

Set in modern-day London, this first book in a gripping new trilogy introduces young magician's apprentice Nathaniel. Humiliated by a hotshot wizard, Nathaniel summons the not-so-tame djinni, Bartimaeus, and sends him to steal the Amulet of Samarkand. Accelerated Reader: Reading Level 5.9, 19 Points.