Just a Pinch of Magic

An enchanting tale of love.

Twelve-year-old magic user Winifred Mosley is an intuitive baker who lives in the enchanted town of Honeycomb Hill, R.I., with her family, who own a bakery. The reputation of Wini's birth mother --whom she's never met--as a curse worker repels customers, and the rising cost of magical ingredients has the business in dire straits. To save the store, Wini concocts a plan: Step one involves "captur some of the love floating around" to spread it through town. But Wini must be discreet; "taking emotions" is forbidden by the Enchantment Agency, which polices magic use. Meanwhile, Kaliope Clarke, a novice word enchanter, moves from Boston to Honeycomb Hill with her queer father and retired Enchantment Agent grandfather so that she can learn and practice magic safely. Upon arrival, her grandfather is called out by residents for bringing "wicked magic" into town. When Kali and Wini meet, the two bond over having single fathers and aid each other during magic lessons. Dow (A Song of Salvation) delivers a magical story about family, friendship, and love that is both beguiling and surprising. An unforgettably rendered magical world paired with delicious descriptions of impeccable baked goods will leave readers wanting more. Wini is Black, and Kali reads as white. Ages 8-12. (Oct.)

Copyright 2023 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

Gr 4-7--Winifred Moseley, age 12, lives in the magical town of Honeycrisp Hill, along with her father and aunt. The Moseleys are food enchanters and run a struggling bakery. Wini's mother experimented with strong magic and caused a curse to afflict the town. She is disgraced and gone, at least for now. The townspeople both fear and admire Wini for her strong magical power. Although all the town's inhabitants are unusual, they have rules about what kind of magic is acceptable and actively persecute creatures who do not fit into the established structure. Kaliope Clarke, the daughter of a word enchanter, has grown up in the nonmagical world. Both girls feel the weight of family secrets and are in need of a friend. To save the bakery, Wini attempts a high-level spell. Instead of her intended goal of making a bread that will draw in customers, she starts a process that may endanger the town even more. With the move to Honeycrisp Hill, Kali's grandfather suddenly wants to reconnect, and Kali's and Wini's fathers begin a tentative romantic relationship. Already coping with anxiety, Kali hopes that finally being able to learn magic will improve her mental health as she discovers more about her family and talents. Through an otherworldly setting, Dow explores themes of discrimination and judgment. VERDICT Like a fine confection, the story includes enough brininess to offset the sugar, creating a satisfyingly piquant dish to appeal to both baking and magic enthusiasts. Recipes are included.--Lucinda Snyder Whitehurst

Copyright 2023 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Praise for Just a Pinch of Magic:

"Just a Pinch of Magic provides more than a pinch of fun. This delightful middle-grade debut is full of friendship, adventure, magic—and recipes!" —Janae Marks, New York Times-bestselling author of On Air with Zoe Washington

"Dow delivers a magical story about family, friendship, and love that is both beguiling and surprising. An unforgettably rendered magical world paired with delicious descriptions of impeccable baked goods will leave readers wanting more." —Publishers Weekly, starred review

"Brimming with magic—and enticing recipes for readers to try. ... Superb worldbuilding and the authentic dialogue between the quirky, beguiling characters will draw readers in, while the heart-pounding tension and strong pacing will lead them to the satisfying conclusion. ... An enchanting tale of love." —Kirkus Reviews, starred review

"Through an otherworldly setting, Dow explores themes of discrimination and judgment. Like a fine confection, the story includes enough brininess to offset the sugar, creating a satisfyingly piquant dish to appeal to both baking and magic enthusiasts." —School Library Journal

"A sweet and satisfying modern fantasy novel ... Dow gives us the action and thrill of classic fantasy tales, with magical objects, haunted woods, and evil ghosts, but also looks thoughtfully at each girl's struggle to find her place, weaving in a powerful but not pedantic theme about the power of love and family. ... A tasty treat." —Mombian.com