Tuesday, April 14, 2026

The Ink Witch by Steph Cherrywell - OPTIONAL

The Ink Witch
by Steph Cherrywell
, 288 pages. Little, Brown, 2025. $9. 

Language: PG (2 swears 0 'f'); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (witch kicks her unconscious sister, mildly disturbing images described) 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME 

12yo Becca is tired of her boring mother not letting her do anything, she can't even try for the role of the Wicked Witch in The Wizard of Oz because her mom really doesn't like witches. She makes 3 wishes: that something would happen; that she would meet where her "being interesting" genes come from; and that her mom would shut up and do what Becca asks her to do. Well, she gets her wishes right away when an aunt she never met shows up, and she's a witch, and she puts a spell on Becca's mom. Now Becca doesn't like to have to tell her mom what to do, and she has to use her newly discovered witch powers to find the ingredients she needs to break the spell. Good thing she has her mom's familiar (a spider) and a monster who used to live in the ice maker. 

Very funny in parts, other times I feel the author was writing like a child instead of for a child, using excessively silly names, talking about things that would be gross, and unexpected resolutions to situations. I liked how the trans child's story was easily woven into the plot, and their journey wasn't about being trans but learning to be a witch. That felt normal and nice. Becca is a transgender girl. 

Lisa Librarian 

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