The Hungry Ghosts
by Miguel Flores (Author)
A tale of magic, found family, and the power of being yourself--even when the world asks you to change.
Witches have been banned from Arrett for years. Which is why Milly has tried to ignore the tingling light that appears in her palm anytime she conjures up a wish. She has too many responsibilities as the oldest girl at St. George's Orphanage to get caught up in magicks.
Sweet, quirky Cilla, though, has always longed for that power, even if it could be dangerous for her. Milly has always kept an eye out for her, but then, in a case of mistaken identity, Cilla is kidnapped by an angry, exiled witch who believes she's the one with magicks--not Milly.
Desperate to bring Cilla back to St. George's, Milly sets out to find her with a sarcastic young Wind stuck in the form of a cat as her companion. Along the way, they meet an independent young broomstick and gentle giant--and a whole world Milly has never seen before. As she searches high and low for Cilla, one thing becomes clear: she'll have to face the stirrings of forbidden magicks inside herself in order to rescue a friend who has become more like a sister.
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School Library Journal
Gr 3-7-In Arnett, a world brimming with magicks, witches are illegal. Rumors and stories about the evil nature of witches have taken root, and the truth has been twisted so far it's turned into shadows. Even though 12-year-old Milly has been told all her life that being a witch is wrong, a small part of her is drawn to magick. She keeps this part of herself buried down so deep, she's almost forgotten where it came from. When a rogue witch kidnaps her younger sister Cilla, Milly embarks on a rescue mission that will challenge everything she's been brought up to believe. Milly's journey is one of empowerment and growth. She embraces her true self and learns that strength does not always come in the form of domination, but by selflessly giving others a voice and a choice. That vulnerability is highlighted through the sisterly bond of unconditional love between Milly and Cilla. This heartwarming fantasy adventure is filled with whimsical creatures and quirky, endearing characters. Milly receives help from friends along the way, a half-giant, a sentient broombranch, and a talking wind who is sometimes a cat. An omniscient narrator delivers the plot, complete with footnotes, with an overtly formal, droll air. Milly has curly hair and freckled brown skin. VERDICT Prepare to be captivated by this bewitching middle grade debut.
Copyright 2021 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
Kirkus
A kind and selfless protagonist, charming sidekicks, and lyrical and evocative prose make this an ideal pick for young fantasy readers. A delightful debut for fans of magical journeys.
JUV001000 - Juvenile Fiction | Action & Adventure
JUV013050 - Juvenile Fiction | Family | Orphans & Foster Homes
