★★★★★ 5
It's rare to see this kind of representation in a book for tweens, and I am 100% here for it!
Format: Hardcover
My 9-year-old daughter loved this book. It's about two 6th grade witches (Delpha and Katybird) from rival Appalachian families who are learning how to use their magic. The book is told from both of their points of view. As a parent, I was pleasantly surprised by the different types of representation in this book and how sensitively they are handled. Delpha's dad left her and her mom when Delpha was little, and they now live in poverty. Delpha's mom is struggling to pay the bills and sells her family heirlooms to Katybird's grandparents, who run a small museum. Katybird is intersex (androgen sensitive) and believes this is messing with her magical powers. Katy's brother Caleb is Deaf and communicates with sign language. Another character, Tyler, has two moms. It's super rare to see this kind of representation in a book for tweens, and I am 100% here for it.
There's a great scene where Katy reflects on attending another girl's "first moon party" and the attendees share stories about getting their first periods. When the other girls hear that Katy will never have a period due to her androgen sensitivity, they are shocked and treat her with pity and say they will pray for her. Katy is upset because she already loves and accepts herself. "As if making babies was the whole point of me existing," she thinks to herself. I seriously loved this example of how well-intentioned behavior can be hurtful. I also liked how characters getting their first periods is treated as something magical and worthy of celebration. There is so much about this book that is like a breath of magical fresh air.
In addition to all the beautiful inclusive elements woven into this book, it's just really FUN. There is a pet raccoon, an enchanted outhouse, zombies, and hexes that go wrong.
The only minor complaint my daughter had was that the plot relies repeatedly on the two main characters being separated and looking for each other.
Otherwise, this book was a winner with our young reader. Write more books, Ash Van Waterloo! We love you!
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Reviewed in the United States on March 24, 2021
