Like Magic

Gr 4-6—A treasure box—and a dash of whimsy—unite three 10-year-old girls, each struggling to cope with changes in her family life. Homeschooled Malia frets over the impending birth of her first sibling. Shy Grace is anxious about speaking, especially since her best friend moved away. Jada longs for her mother, who abandoned the family to pursue an acting career. Without ever meeting one another, the girls develop a rapport by taking turns borrowing an ornate box from the public library, removing a personal "treasure" left by the previous user, and adding a new memento. Keeping the box circulating among the trio is an intuitive, possibly enchanted, elderly librarian who understands that what the girls need most is friendship. Debut novelist Vickers has created three appealing, diverse characters with distinct talents and voices; librarian Hazel is an affectionate spin on fairy-tale crones. The point of view changes with each chapter, providing insights into the girls' private aspirations and relationships with family members. Readers will be engaged by the near misses in which Malia, Grace, and Jada encounter one another but hesitate to introduce themselves, leading to an emotionally satisfying first meeting at the novel's climax. VERDICT Just right for sensitive tweens, this is a sweet story of friendship and learning to cope with common fears and life changes.—Marybeth Kozikowski, Sachem Public Library, Holbrook, NY

This wholesome, sensitive story follows three girls of varying racial and ethnic backgrounds during the summer before fifth grade, as they confront significant life changes. Artist Jada, uprooted from New Jersey to Utah by her father, hopes to convince her absent mother to come home. Musician Malia is worried that the arrival of her baby sister will shift family dynamics. Quiet writer Grace is mourning her best friend's departure and struggling to find her voice. All three girls eventually journey to the Salt Lake City Library where a kind librarian lends them, in turn, a mysterious treasure box. As the girls alternately leave a significant item in it and receive the gift left by the previous borrower, they draw comfort from the gifts and from each other. All three girls' stories are relatable, as debut author Vickers addresses real fears confronting girls this age and explores their encounters from multiple perspectives. Themes of sharing, trust, and family never overshadow the story's heart: a natural longing for friendship and the unfettered joy of finding it. Ages 8-12. Agent: Ammi-Joan Paquette, Erin Murphy Literary. (Oct.)