Thursday, July 25, 2019

Genuine Sweet by Faith Harkey -- ADVISABLE

Genuine Sweet by Faith Harkey, 277 pgs. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2015. $7.

Language: G; Mature Content: PG (two chaste kisses & an alcoholic father); Violence: G

BUYING ADVISORY: MS - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

12yo Genuine Sweet of tiny Sass, Georgia is a fourth-generation wish-fetcher -- able to call down the magic of the stars to grant others' wishes. Unfortunately, she can't grant her own wishes, which means she's stuck living with her alcoholic father in a tired, run-down house filled with overdue notices and not enough food. When she hits upon a scheme to use the wish-fetcher magic to better her own life as well as others', she knows she's courting disaster; but is it really fair for everyone to be happy and have their wishes granted...everyone except Genuine Sweet herself?

I love this book. Genuine is a relatable character who makes understandable mistakes. Her Southern voice is delightful, and the town of Sass comes alive in her descriptions. The magical realism also adds an element of intrigue to the story, as do her frequent hints that her choices will eventually lead to big problems. The cover is a bit unfortunate because, pretty though it is, it makes the book look as if it were for a younger audience than it truly is; this might discourage some from picking it up. Those who enjoyed A Snicker of Magic by Natalie Lloyd will likely enjoy this one as well.

Sydney G., K-6 Library Media Specialist

No comments: