The Rosemary Spell by Virginia Zimmerman - Optional

Zimmerman, Virginia The Rosemary Spell, 280 pgs. Clarion Books, 2015. $16.99. Language: G; Mature Content: PG; Violence: PG

Rosemary and her best friends, Adam and Shelby, love books. When Rosemary and Adam find an old book locked in a cabinet in her bedroom they are excited to consider the possibilities. Who did it belong to? Could it perhaps be magic? The ancient book holds writing that sometimes is there and sometimes is not leaving them to conclude that it holds an independent power. The darker prospects of their find present themselves when Shelby disappears and Rosemary and Adam find themselves in a race against time to get her back.  

A cute book for middle readers who like magic. The friendship between Rosemary, Adam, and Shelby is relatable to teens in the midst of growing up and making the awkward transition to adulthood as the formally tight group of friends find themselves changing and possibly growing apart. As the story progresses, readers may find themselves becoming annoyed at the remembering and forgetting cycle that is central to the plot, but overused. Overall, the plot is original and written well enough to keep the reader engaged, but is missing its own magical element to elevate it above mediocre.

MS,HS—OPTIONAL AEB