The Gilded Girl (Gilded Magic #1)

Holds a lot of appeal for magic-loving readers. . .Fast-paced and warmhearted with a satisfying conclusion.

Colman's class-interested debut offers both homage to and a fanciful spin on Frances Hodgson Burnett's A Little Princess. In a world in which only the wealthy wield magic and those who can't afford the hefty registration price must snuff theirs, 12-year-old Emma Harris is so close to her Kindling--full control of her magic--that she can taste it. Her magical education, however, is sorely lacking, prompting her magical architect father to enroll her at the elite New York City boarding school for young ladies. While she finds her studies difficult, introverted Emma quickly makes friends, thanks to her father's fame and fortune. Izzy, the school's only maid, is of Kindling age as well; though her magic must lawfully be snuffed, she has other plans. The girls' worlds collide when Emma's father dies and the school's headmistress indentures her to pay her outstanding tuition. What follows is a thoughtful and imaginative exploration of friendship, internal change, and perseverance told in alternating voices and anchored in an enticingly crafted alternate turn-of-the-century New York. Ages 8-12.

Copyright 2021 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

"Readers familiar with Frances Hodgson Burnett's A Little Princess will recognize the riches-to-rags plot, and the earnest personal growth for both Emma and Izzy and triumphant ending make for a cozy read . . . Readers will take to heart the strong emphasis on personal worth regardless of circumstance." —Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

"Sweet and magical. Will kindle the imagination!" —Melissa de la Cruz, author of The Descendants series

"When I turned the last page, the first word that came to mind was wow, followed quickly by fabulous, fresh, fast-paced and fun. This book is pure magic."—Barbara O'Connor, New York Times-bestselling author of Wish

"An irresistible story that celebrates the magic of friendship, kids' power to change the world, and the benefits of having an excellent cat on your side. Timely, engrossing, and delightful." —Anne Ursu, author of The Lost Girl

"The Gilded Girl is a spellbinding adventure through turn-of-the-century New York City complete with house dragons, disappearing rooms, and magic that longs to burn free. This charming, magical story about trust, hope, equality, and the active pursuit of systemic change feels perfectly relevant right now." —Josephine Cameron, author of Maybe a Mermaid and A Dog-Friendly Town