Just Add Magic

June 1, 2011

Gr 4-7-An ancient book of secret recipes hidden in a 1952 encyclopedia, two mysterious warnings, unusual ingredients from a spooky store owned by a kook, and three BFFs come together in this novel. Kelly Quinn loves to cook, play soccer, and hang out with Hannah and Darbie. The ancient cookbook gives them an eerie warning as does the owner of the small store where Kelly buys ingredients: "Beware of the law of returns." The 12-year-olds decide to try the recipes anyway and learn that this cookbook is anything but ordinary. Every time they serve one of the dishes, strange coincidences occur. Kelly decides to test the book by devising an experiment involving a cute boy in their class. But when the plan backfires, will it break up the girls' friendship or will they return to life as normal? The humorous story, while somewhat cheesy at points, is entertaining overall.-Sarah Polace, Cuyahoga County Public Library, Parma, OH

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