Bravepaw and the Heartstone of Alluria by LM Wilkinson and Lavanya Naidu - ADVISABLE

Bravepaw and the Heartstone of Alluria (Bravepaw #1) by LM Wilkinson and Lavanya Naidu, 170 pages. CHAPTER BOOK. Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2026. $14

Language: G (0 swears, 0 ‘f'); Mature Content: G; Violence: G (Some fantasy violence) 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: SOME 

Titch is a young mouse who lives in a community of mice in a magical land called Alluria. Her dream has always been to be like Bravepaw, a mouse who accomplished many great deeds. When out exploring, Twitch and her friend encounter a brave rabbit who is trying to save the world of Alluria from monsters called curse worms. Will Titch be brave enough to help him? 

Bravepaw and the Heartstone of Alluria is an excellent book to entice newer readers who are transitioning from leveled readers to chapter books. The plot was very interesting and made me want to read more. The text is similar to the series, Geronimo Stilton with many different fonts being used. There are pictures on most pages but they are black and white. There are three more books in the series after this one. 

Tracie, Elementary School Librarian 

The Loss of the Burying Ground by J Anderson Coats - OPTIONAL

The Loss of the Burying Ground by J Anderson Coats, 288 pages. Candlewick, 2024. $19

Language: PG (24 swears, 0 ‘f’); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (mild danger)

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

When the Burying Ground ship goes down, so do the hopes of two nations to forge peace. The only survivors are Vivienne, the lady’s maid to the princess of Ariminthia, and Cora, the daughter of a reporter who was randomly picked to join the voyage. When the two girls discover each other, sparks fly and they reluctantly work together when pirates are attracted by Cora’s signals, instead of the rescue she was hoping for.

There are more complications in the narrative, but I don’t want to give too much away. Suffice it to say the best parts of the book are when the girls are on the island, not caught up in the political drama on land. Looks to be the first in a series, as we are left hanging. I am mystified by the name of the boat - I found it off-putting.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS 

The Reimagining of Thornwood House by Jaleigh Johnson - OPTIONAL

The Reimagining of Thornwood House by Jaleigh Johnson, 400 pages. Ace Books (Penguin Random House), 2026. $30.

Language: PG (10 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: PG (alcohol use and kissing); Violence: PG (animal abuse and mild fantasy violence)

BUYING ADVISORY: ADULTS - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Attempting to escape her contract with the ECRA through a loophole is a desperate move, but Evelyn (25yo) can’t find any other way to make herself a more suitable candidate to adopt her ward, Ruby (11yo). Evelyn is allowed a short trial period to successfully bond with a sentient house and assume the responsibilities of caretaker for the house, the wood, and the village, or else she will have to return to the ECRA and Ruby will be taken from her. No pressure.

The magic system described by Evelyn is colorful and whimsical, and, while there is a little mystery and a little magical battle in the woods, the book’s overall feel is cozy fantasy. I expected the climax to include bigger conflicts from the antagonist and from the ECRA, but it’s more about trust and friendship than battling out good versus evil—or good versus bureaucracy.

Reviewer: Carolina Johnson

Carnival Fantastico by Angela Montoya - OPTIONAL

Carnival Fantastico by Angela Montoya, 432 pages. Joy Revolution (Random House), 2026. $20

Language: R (79 swears, 1 ‘f'); Mature Content: PG-13 (passionate kissing, flashbacks to past sexual relations - on page, but not descriptive); Violence: PG-13 (references to past abuse, both physical and verbal; violent and gory accidents/deaths; references to war violence)

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

Esmeralda and Ignacio are both 18yo, almost 19yo Esmeralda and Ignacio used to be best friends and lovers, but circumstances forced them apart. Now a year later, Esmeralda has joined the circus, looking for a chance to escape her life as a fugitive and Ignacio has deserted the army to try to figure out the reason why his father, the Commandant of the Army, is waging war under false pretenses. Esmeralda hopes to become the lead attraction at the carnival, but dangerous accidents to the others vying for the spot make her quest even more important. After Ignacio's search for answers leads him to the circus, the two struggle to resolve their painful feelings from the past. Once they do, they're able to join forces to solve the mystery of the Carnival Fantastico.

I liked the alternating chapter format that gave insight into both of the main characters and their motivations. I also liked the premise of the magical carnival, but I felt like it was underdeveloped. It was obvious from the beginning that the main characters were going to get back together, but they wasted 300 pages miscommunicating instead of developing the other aspects of the story. The magic system was also not very well explained. 

All of the characters are Hispanic/Latino coded, but the setting is imaginary. 

Andrea R.

The Garden Just Beyond by Lindsey Leavitt, - ADVISABLE

The Garden Just Beyond by Lindsey Leavitt, 320 pages. Goodwin Books, 2025 $19 Content: G

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

14yo Maggie’s family has a long history of serving magical dinners. Those chosen to eat their food creations are given specific emotions with it.  And, thus, the world is changed forever by it. Word gets out to those wanting to have control over the garden. Through deceit, the garden becomes at risk of demise. Maggie and Graham combined their brilliance to defeat the enemies of the garden by the use of family history, forgiveness, and choice.

Leavitt creates a fun way of mixing food and magic, which includes a family history mystery.  The story demonstrates a good moral ending and contains clean language throughout. Sadly, the plot felt jerky and confusing. Leavitt created what appeared to be two protagonists, which created confusion also.

Graham appears to be Hispanic. 

MOMMAC/Post-educator

New Kid on Deck (Pirate Academy #1) by Justin Somper - ADVISABLE

New Kid on Deck (Pirate Academy #1) by Justin Somper, 210 pages. Penguin, 2024. $10 (pb)

Language:  G (0 swears, 0 ‘f’); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (sword fights, fire)

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

The Barracuda class at The Pirate Academy, run by The Pirate Federation, is excited to start Year 5. 12yo Jacoby is devastated when Wing, his best friend and roommate of the last four years, is headed away with his family. Then a new boy, Neo shows up the same day and Jasmine’s family didn’t even show up for family day. Strange things are happening, including the appearance of a new pirate group, The League of True Pirates is trying to take everything The Pirate Federation is working for.

Danger and betrayal await Jacoby and the other Barracudas. While Pirate books aren’t necessarily a high demand topic, they still have a degree of interest for students looking for an adventure. The action is actually set in a future Earth where the polar icecaps have melted. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Deathly Fates by Tesia Tsai - ADVISABLE

Deathly Fates by Tesia Tsai, 368 pages. Wednesday Books (St. Martin’s Press), 2026. $20.

Language: PG (5 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: PG13 (mentions of alcohol, kissing, scary elements, and innuendo); Violence: PG13 (corpses, assault, fantasy violence, blood and gore, mentions of suicide, and murder)

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

As a priestess, Siying has special privileges to cross borders, despite the war, to reanimate corpses and guide them home. Her most recent client has offered significantly more than her usual rate to bring back a fallen soldier, giving only his first name and picture for identification. Upon locating the body, Siying does everything as usual, but, instead of getting the mindless, walking corpse she expected, this corpse comes back to life!

The Chinese folk practice of necromancy that this story draws inspiration from created a beautiful, simple, and limited magic system based on qi. Amidst the search for qi to keep this not-quite-dead client alive, Siying’s story includes unhappy spirits and exorcisms, intrigue and betrayal, and the relationship of duty and sacrifice with love. The majority of characters, including Siying, are implied Chinese.

Reviewer: Carolina Johnson 

Charmed and Dangerous by Shelly Page - ADVISABLE

Charmed and Dangerous by Shelly Page, 288 pages. Random House Children's Books (Penguin Random House), 2026. $13.

Language: PG-13 (25 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: PG (main character took their shirt off to clean it, the other characters didn’t look; repeated kissing on page); Violence: PG (minor injuries due to magical objects misfiring, one injury due to chasing a fugitive)

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

Fair Glen, Illinois is a formerly magical place and the Bureau of Mystical Affairs helps regulate the use of the magical charm dust that is leftover (think of OHSA meets the FBI). Monroe is a Black high school senior, who is interning for the Bureau. She is tasked with hunting down a love charm that has gone rogue in her high school. As a part of her investigation, she gets involved in a fake dating scheme with the Bureau Director‘s daughter Iris. But as they get to know one another more, Monroe has to figure out what is more important to her, her future with the Bureau, or her burgeoning romance with Iris?

This was a very sweet sapphic YA rom-com and I had such a fun time reading it. I felt like it was a cozy alternative to most urban fantasy (which is very similar to film noir, dark and gritty, but with ✨magic✨), whereas this was light, fluffy, and fun, but with ✨magic✨. I thought the worldbuilding was solid, the magic system was easy to understand, and the who-dun-it mystery kept me guessing until the very end. I would easily recommend this for any high school library. 

Reviewer: Kiera Beddes, ELA teacher #bookswithbeddes

Forbidden Mountain by Brandon Mull - ESSENTIAL

Forbidden Mountain (Guardians #1) by Brandon Mull, 528 pages. Labyrinth Road (Penguin Random House), 2026. $23.

Language: G (0 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: PG (illegal activity and mentions of alcohol and kissing); Violence: PG13 (assault, blood and gore, battle scenes, mentions of suicide, and murder)

BUYING ADVISORY: MS - ESSENTIAL, HS - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Everything for Mako (13yo) depends on passing his tests for a good apprenticeship and on who he receives as his guardian in three days. Arden (13yo) might not have abilities like those who live on the forbidden mountain, but her knack for reading people goes beyond average skill. While intending to do good, these teens feel lost after making mistakes and have to decide who they can trust to guide them out of it.

At first, Mako and Arden both seem to be stuck on slippery slopes due to their choices. However, their reactions to their respective consequences contrast greatly, making their similar circumstances diverge even as their stories start to intersect by ending up in the same camp. Both of them want to do good, and their examples invoke questions of whether doing something wrong for the right reasons can still be good. Expect high anticipation for the sequel!

Reviewer: Carolina Johnson

The Adventures of Cipollino by Gianni Rodari, Dasha Tolstikova and Antony Shugaar - OPTIONAL

The Adventures of Cipollino by Gianni Rodari, illustrated by Dasha Tolstikova and translated from Italian by Antony Shugaar, 244 pages. Enchanted Lion, 2025, originally published in Italy in 1980. $30 

Language: PG (3 swears, 0 'f'); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (imprisonment of innocent vegetables, threats of hanging, peril, capital punishment) 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - OPTIONAL 

APPEALS TO: SOME 

In a world of sentient fruits and vegetables, onion-headed boy Cipollino witnesses the arrest and imprisonment of his father (because he smells bad), along with the rest of the adults in the village who tried to defend him. Cipollino leads the other children - including a royal boy named Marichino - in a grand adventure to rescue the villagers and ultimately, hopefully save his father. 

I liked this more than I expected. It's a bit odd, but the story is charming, and I found myself reading passages aloud. The translation is probably the best part. Shugaar has somehow translated Italian into wonderful English wordplay that makes Cipollino so much fun to read. I don't see a kid picking it up - it's a heavy and long book (from the cover, I thought it was a picture book, while illustrated, it is a lengthy children's novel). But I would absolutely recommend Cipollino as a read-aloud bedtime story for an older reader - it would be fun to share. 

Lisa Librarian  

The Greatest Heist in Joviala by Adi Alsaid - OPTIONAL

The Greatest Heist in Joviala by Adi Alsaid, 277 pages. Aladdin (Simon), 2024. $9 (pb)

Language: G (1 swears, 0 ‘f'); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (danger, peril, fighting)

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

Four 12yo kids travel from their kingdom of Nefaria to the cheerful kingdom of Joviala for a school trip. In Nefaria, they’re used to dealing with constant evil schemes, but Joviala is a land of happy, trusting people who rarely expect trouble. While there, the four meet Shmebecca, who is devastated to learn that a company plans to move her favorite mountain, Mount Saint Helenhunt, and replace it with an amusement park. She’s especially worried that relocating a volcanic mountain could lead to serious consequences. Determined to protect it, Shmebecca teams up with the Nefarian kids and enlists her friends Shmayden and Shmelix to help stop the project and save the mountain.

Will they be able to stop the plan and save Mount Saint Helenhunt in time?

The goofy names and quirky characters didn’t quite land for me—maybe it’s just been too long since I was in middle school. At times, the story felt wordy and dragged a bit. That said, it was still a fun adventure-heist with some meaningful lessons woven in. It explores how the line between good and evil can be complicated, highlights the importance of protecting natural resources, and emphasizes the value of friendship and forgiveness.

None of the characters were described.

Reviewer: A. Snow, Librarian

Sonnets and Serpents by Elizabeth Lowham - OPTIONAL

Sonnets and Serpents (Casters and Crowns #2) by Elizabeth Lowham, 384 pages. Shadow Mountain Publishing, 2025. $25.

Language: G (0 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: PG13; Violence: PG13

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: SEVERAL

Princess Eliza (17yo) runs away from the castle and country of Leogria when her beloved Henry is banished, determined to join him in exile. She soon finds herself lost and unable to communicate in Pravusat, where the only Loegrian she can find is also a monster—a magical shapeshifter—and rude besides. Desperate for help, Eliza traps the shapeshifter to convince him to be her translator, not knowing that she is trapping herself in the process.

While the first book gives context to the world and some of the characters’ backstories, Eliza and Silas’s adventures can be enjoyed independently of the first book, which focuses on Eliza’s sister. The magic in this world is unique in its division of magic classes, and, though they are not unique aspects to this story alone, love and betrayal abound in the lives of the protagonists. Eliza is the romantic chasing after a love story to make it into something real, and Silas is the academic who has been hurt too many times to believe in love. I enjoyed watching these characters grow as Lowham showed how these two opposites could come together as a complementary pair.

Eliza is described as “pale,” and Silas is described as “honey brown.” The mature content rating is for mentions of alcohol and nudity, mild innuendo, and kissing. The violence rating is for assault, blood, fantasy violence, mentions of human trafficking, and murder.

Reviewer: Carolina Johnson

The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest by Aubrey Hartman - ESSENTIAL

The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest by Aubrey Hartman, 320 pages. Little, Brown, 2025. $18.

 

Language: G (0 swears 0 'f'); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (peril, monster description) 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ESSENTIAL 

APPEALS TO: MANY 

Clare is an undead fox, used by the afterlife to usher souls who don't know which door to pass through. He can tell by touching them or talking to them which portal they would be most comfortable in - Pleasure, Peace, Progress, or Pain. But one evening, close to All Hallows Eve, a dead Badger appears, but none of the portals accept her. Clare is at a loss. But in an effort to help Gingersnipes, Clare leaves the forest to seek out Hesterfowl, a bird who prophesied a catastrophic event about Clare, and the visit may just set her prophesy in motion. 

The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest was one of my favorite reads this year. Mercin Minor's illustrations, at the anticipation of each chapter, add context and expression to this already exciting and thoughtful story. I love that the characters approaching their afterlife assess their lives and reflect on relationships (or the lack thereof). Most of the characters are animals, with a brief but important encounter with humans. 

 Lisa Librarian 

Princess Mononoke Film Comic by Hayao Miyazaki - OPTIONAL

Princess Mononoke Film Comic: All-in-One Edition by Hayao Miyazaki, 856 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL. VIZ Media, 2026. $35.

Language: PG (9 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: PG13; Violence: PG13

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

After being cursed by the demon he saved his village from, Prince Ashitaka leaves it all behind in search for a cure. Ashitaka finds the humans who are disturbing the nature gods—and both sides are gearing up for war!

Reading this graphic novel is simply a faster way to watch the film. The panels come right from the movie, right down to multiple pages of the credits (in Japanese) at the end. I found the Japanese sound effects text throughout the book to be confusing until I found that they included a guide at the back of the book to translate the Japanese characters into the English equivalent. Overall, the story is fun, and all the good feelings I have about this and other Miyazaki movies translated into good feelings for the book, but I ultimately believe the story is told better on the screen.

The characters are depicted with light skin. The mature content rating is for partial nudity and for mentions of alcohol and brothels. The violence rating is for assault, gun use, blood and gore, fantasy violence, battle scenes, and murder.

Reviewer: Carolina Johnson

The Weaver Bride by Lydia Gregovic - ADVISABLE

The Weaver Bride by Lydia Gregovic, 480 pages. Penguin Random House, 2025. $22

Language: G (1 swear, 0 ‘f'); Mature Content: PG-13 (Sexual innuendos, drinking, smoking, implied sex off-page, kissing); Violence: PG-13 (mysterious deaths, fighting) 

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

For 18yo Lovett Tamerlane, being a silkwitch is both an honor and a curse. Those few girls born as silkwitches have a magical ability or wit, and their coveted hair can be woven into magesilk which will magically imbue objects. But silkwitches must find a Weaver husband to contain them and their magic before they are 21, or they will be sent to the cloisters from which no silkwitch has ever left. And there are even fewer Weavers, who are descendants of a sorcerer’s line, than silkwitches. Lovett, whose lowborn origins means she doesn't stand much of a chance of catching a Weaver husband, uses her wit to open any door and steal. In a theft gone wrong,  she meets Elliott who proposes a deal. If she can figure out who killed his sister, he will ensure that she finds a husband and avoids the cloisters. Lovett agrees and must pretend to be a highborn lady and compete against 9 other silkwitches in the Vainglory, a contest to wed one of the most eligible bachelor Weavers, all while attempting to solve a murder. 

The novel's beginning is a little clunky and has a lot of background information to take in. Nonetheless, the concept and world-building is fresh and creative, which makes up for some of its common Romantasy tropes. The underlying dynamic of silkwitches being treated as possessions and the political undertones make for a well-rounded story. I’m looking forward to picking up the next book in the series to see where it goes!  Romantasy is a popular genre right now, and coupled with a gorgeous cover, readers are likely to pick up this novel.

Minor characters are LGBT+ (spoiler if names are revealed) 

Megan, HS Librarian

Lost Evangeline A Norendy Tale by Kate DiCamillo - ADVISABLE

Lost Evangeline A Norendy Tale by Kate DiCamillo, 160 pages. Candlewick, 2025 $18. 

Language: G (0 swears 0 'f'); Mature Content: G; Violence: G 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: SOME 

When a shoemaker finds a tiny baby in a boot, he raises her as his own. But as she grows, she ages but her size doesn't change. She is so small, she is able to hide behind a spool of thread in his workshop. The shoemaker loves her and raises her as a daughter, but his wife is fearful of the tiny thing, and one day sells her to an old woman who thinks the singing child can heal her. 

Evangeline is smart and resourceful - and she makes friends easily who help her along her journey. I loved the cat in this story, she hates everything and is very self-serving, yet is also one of the saviors of the tiny girl. Lost Evangeline takes place in the same world as The Puppets of Spelhorst as well as The Hotel Balzaar, so there is a bit of magic and fantastic characters. Not every child will love these fairy tales but I know several children I intend to recommend them to. I loved it. 

Lisa Librarian 

Pocket Bear by Katherine Applegate - ADVISABLE

Pocket Bear by Katherine Applegate, 263 pages. Feiwel & Friends (Macmillan), 2025. $18. 

Language: G (0 swears 0 'f'); Mature Content: G; Violence: G 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

"The Secondhand Home for the Tossed and Treasured" belongs to a mother and daughter who are refugees from Ukraine. Pocket Bear, who was found in a cupboard in their home, was the first toy which started the collection. He is a handmade bear intended as a companion and reminder of home for a soldier during WWI. Now, Pocket Bear, called "Sarge" by the other toys, is daughter Dasha's favorite, and at night Pocket Bear organizes the toys in the shop - who come alive when no one is around to notice - and inducts new toys, ready for their rehabilitation and possible adoption by another child to love them.  Zephyrina is the cat who finds most of the tossed and treasured, bringing home discoveries during the night which Dasha and her mother restore. Zephyrina's latest find is a rare and valuable bear which might change everything. 

I loved learning about the history of teddy bears, especially Mascot Bears and what may have been the prototype for the Steiff Bear. Dasha had been injured by a bomb while in Ukraine, so there were some meaningful connections to war, both modern and WWI from a hundred years ago.  I read the short summary on the book flap and was immediately excited to read "Pocket Bear." It was not as much magical realism as I expected. More about the Cat's involvement, but I still loved every page. The chapters are short, the text on the large size, so it's market is certainly upper elementary, but the story is engaging and the ending exciting enough for middle school readers as well.

Lisa Librarian 

Fireborne by Rosaria Munda - ADVISABLE

Fireborne (The Aurelian Cycle #1) by Rosaria Munda, 432 pages. G. P. Putnam’s Sons (Penguin Random House), 2019. $14.

Language: PG13 (26 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: PG13; Violence: PG13

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Living in the post-revolution world that killed his father, Lee (17yo) is fighting for the position of Firstrider that has used to be called his birthright. Given chances she never would have been allowed to dream of under the old regime, Annie (16yo) fights for the chance to become Firstrider. She is proud to be a dragonrider, despite the fact that dragonfire killed her family.

With secrets, imminent war, questions of whether a post-revolution world really is better than the rulers overthrown only nine years ago, Munda gives readers everything they need—plus dragons! The victories are the highest of highs, and the disappointments are the lowest of lows as these teenagers struggle to understand the political demands of their positions and reconcile duty with morality. I enjoyed every page, and I have no doubts that the sequel is just as good.

Lee is described as pale, Duck is described as having a tan complexion, Rock has fair skin, and Miranda has a warm brown complexion. The mature content rating is for alcohol use, innuendo, and kissing. The violence rating is for assault, fantasy violence and fantasy terrorism, blood and gore, mentions of suicide, and murder.

Reviewer: Carolina Johnson

Graciela in the Abyss by Meg Medina - ADVISABLE

Graciela in the Abyss by Meg Medina, 236 pages. Candlewick, 2025 $19.

Language: G (0 swears 0 'f'); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (scary imagery, deaths, harpooning) 

BUYING ADVISORY: MS - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

Graciela is a sea spirit, dead for over 100 years, but still young. Her job is making sea glass, her best friend Amina awakens sea ghosts. On shore 12yo Jorge is a blacksmith and an inventor. His family has been cursed for several generations as his ancestor forged an evil thing - a harpoon made to spear sea ghosts and steal their pearly teeth. It caused a calamity and sank the ship of the village's best fishermen. When Jorge discovers the harpoon, he knows he needs to destroy it by any means. 

An exciting fantasy, with scary ghosts as well as kind ones. I loved the story line and the life lessons aren't"in your face". Graciela would appeal to ghost story readers as well as those who love mermaids, AND there's enough fighting and danger and swordplay to keep our adventure readers happy, too. The characters default white 

Lisa Librarian 

The House at the Edge of Magic by Amy Sparkes - ESSENTIAL

The House at the Edge of Magic by Amy Sparkes, 222 pages. Margaret K. McElderry Books (Simon), 2021. $19. 9781665971874

BUYING ADVISORY:  EL - ESSENTIAL

APPEALS TO: MANY

Young Nine is a pickpocket in a setting that feels like Victorian London. Nine steals a tiny house ornament that proves to be the cursed home of the wizard, Flabberghast. 12yo Nine brings in a letter that was sent by the witch who cursed the house, setting off a countdown to their destruction, unless they can find the missing magic words. Nine survives every challenge, solves every riddle, and discovers a home for herself. 

The House at the Edge of Magic is a child pleasing magical adventure. The wizard in the pointy hat, the wicked witch, and the poor street urchin are literary tropes that are mixed with humor, deadly acid bat poops, and a little bit of scariness to create a story that races along.

J. Smith, Teacher Librarian