Review by Booklist Review
Emma has had unpredictable magic powers since she was a child, and she's been taught by her adoptive parents to keep her emotions neutral and conceal them, lest they spiral out of her control. When she learns her best and only friend (and crush), Evangeline, might be moving away because her parents want to divorce, she concocts a magical plan to try to get Evangeline's parents to fall back in love. Love is complicated, though, as she finds out the hard way. Ireland's sweet story about a young witch coming into her own and learning to handle her new abilities emphasizes the importance of not only self-acceptance but also trusting one's intuition, especially when, without getting into any scary territory, Emma must contend with a suspicious adult who might not have her best magical interests at heart. With plenty of relatable depth and wide appeal, this is a stellar pick for fans of the Love Sugar Magic books or other blends of realistic fiction and witchy fantasy.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Fresh out of sixth grade, Korean American adoptee Emma Davidson has the perfect summer planned out--and it definitely doesn't involve using her magical powers, which seem to go haywire whenever she loses control of her emotions. But then she finds out that the parents of her best friend and crush Avangeline are getting divorced, and that Avangeline is moving away. Though she's initially keen on following her own parents' advice to avoid using her powers and "act normal," Emma believes that if she can use her magic to reconcile Avangeline's parents, her bestie won't have to move. With help from her talking parrot and mind-reading cat, Emma practices her magic, but when things go awry, Emma promises Avangeline that she won't interfere anymore--and covertly breaks that promise as she continues to refine her powers with the help of an unexpected mentor. Magic abounds in this cheery tale by Ireland (Everyone Hates Kelsie Miller), who employs fast pacing, good humor, and tons of heart to adeptly convey one queer tween's struggle to navigate her feelings and desires, as well as her burgeoning realization that it will take more than good intentions (and fledging enchantments) to repair damaged relationships. Major supporting characters read as white. Ages 9--12. Agent: Lauren Spieller, Folio Literary. (Jan.)
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Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 4--7--Sixth grade has ended, and Emma can't wait to spend the summer with her best friend, Avangeline. Unfortunately, Avangeline shares the news of her parents' upcoming divorce and her family's move to New Orleans in a month. Emma is devastated--Lina is her only friend and her biggest crush. The girls come up with a plan to make Avangeline's parents fall back in love. What Lina doesn't know is that Emma has magical powers and is planning on using them in this Parent Trap--esque scheme of theirs. Her powers are connected to her emotions; flowers bloom when she's happy and storms rage when she's upset. Her parents treat her magic as something to fear, and Emma must learn how to control her powers and conjure the perfect love spell if she wants Avangeline to stay. Along with being the only witch in town, Emma is a Korean transracial adoptee. This sweet story touches on self-identity, belonging, and otherness in an accessible way. VERDICT Ireland's character development is sophisticated yet approachable, much like in Kelly Yang's Front Desk. Readers of all ages will appreciate Emma's journey of self-discovery in this fast-paced fantasy.--Maria Martin
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
A powerful young witch grows the confidence to manage difficult emotions and wield her magic. Two years have passed since Korean American Emma and her white adoptive parents moved to their small town, and Emma still has only one friend--one with whom she's fallen in love. So, when Avangeline (who reads white) shares that she'll be moving across the country due to her parents' divorce, Emma is devastated. But she can't express her pain freely, because her feelings have consequences: When she's joyful, flowers bloom; when she's upset, there's lightning. Emma's nonmagical parents try to suppress her magic with a "Just Act Normal" strategy that leaves her feeling fragmented, ashamed, and afraid of herself. If only someone other than talking animals could guide her so she could use her magic for something good--like making Avangeline's parents fall back in love. With her parents leaving for a few days, Emma has a chance to try, but babysitter Mrs. Cornwall spots her practicing and reveals that she, too, is a witch. Should Emma trust her suspicions about Mrs. Cornwall, or has she found a helpful mentor? Clear, descriptive storytelling elucidates complex emotions and relationships with care and the right pacing. Readers will resonate with Emma's struggle for authenticity as she considers the risks of conflict or rejection if she exposes hidden parts of herself. A satisfying story of emotional growth that will leave readers hoping for more magical adventures. (Fantasy. 9-13) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
