A Reluctant Witch's Guide to Magic

For many years, the Ordinary Folk of the Island of Dreary have been caught between the two factions of the Witch War, occasionally becoming victims of wayward spells. Among those innocent bystanders is Willa Birdwhistle, "bold and unruly and headstrong" and portrayed on the book's cover as white, who lost her parents a year earlier to a stray curse. When she suddenly manifests magic on her 12th birthday, both covens lay claim to her, noting that should Willa not choose one by her 13th birthday, she'll explode. She's subsequently instructed in the ways of each coven: the "serene but vague" Silverclaws who rarely speak, never cut their hair or nails, and cast spells through dance, and the cruel Irontongues, "hairless, warty, and green," whose magic relies on tongue-twisting incantations. As the Witch War heats up, Willa works to understand her abilities and choose her destiny, though neither coven appeals to her. Juxtaposing Willa's earnest internal growth with an absurd and bureaucratic magical realm, Plozza (The Boy, the Wolf, and the Stars) creates a sense of alienation in the tween, even as she establishes new bonds, in this offbeat read with an archetypal heroine. Ages 8-12. Agent: Katelyn Detweiler, Jill Grinberg Literary. (July)

Gr 4-7--Willa Birdwhistle is Ordinary. And like all Ordinary people in Bad Faith, Willa is used to the daily interruptions and inconveniences of the Witch War. The conflict between the Irontongue and Silverclaw covens has gone on so long that no one in Bad Faith knows how or why it started, nor have Ordinary people been able to do much other than accept the war as a fact of life. A year ago, Willa's parents were turned into clouds by a wayward hex, and since then 12-year-old Willa has tried to be a good girl like they would have wanted. But that all changes when witnesses spot Willa apparently stopping a spell in midair, and she is accused of being a witch herself. She is carted off to the castle to begin rigorous magical training. She must select a coven to join before her 13th birthday, otherwise she will explode. Several mysteries unfold during Willa's magical training, and readers will enjoy the way the plot threads interweave to reveal details about the history of the two covens and their war, the rogue witch who is tormenting the citizens of Bad Faith, and Willa's own magic. At times the tone of the book seems too silly for some of the darker content, but the levity helps tamp down what could be very scary moments. All main characters are presumed white. VERDICT A fun new entry in the field of magical mysteries, this action-packed tale will keep readers engaged and leaves room for a sequel.--Dana West