The XYZs of Being Wicked

May 1, 2014

Gr 4-7-Hallie Simon is shocked when she is invited to enroll in the Dowling Academy School of Witchcraft. This is the first she has heard of her magical abilities, and she is excited to have a fresh start at a new school. For years, she has been plagued by Kendall, her once-best friend now turned mortal enemy, and the opportunity to leave home is irresistible. Unfortunately, she soon discovers that the beautiful and malicious Kendall is her roommate at Dowling. When strange things begin happening to Hallie, events that seem impossible to explain, she must turn to her friends for help in understanding her newfound powers. Full of repetitive phrasing and an extremely weak backstory, this novel leaves readers wanting more. The sixth graders come across as too old for their years, and the plot is focused more on describing their hair and skin types than it is on the magic. Suggest Michael Buckley's "The Sisters Grimm" (Abrams) or John Stephen's "Books of Beginning" (Knopf) series to fantasy fans, and for those looking for tales about acceptance and fashion advice, suggest Candice Ransom's Rebel McKenzie (Hyperion, 2012).-Amy Nolan, St. Joseph Public Library, St. Joseph, MI

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