A Pinch of Magic (A Pinch of Magic #1)
by Michelle Harrison (Author)
A spellbinding middle grade fantasy about three sisters who go on a quest to break the curse that's haunted their family for generations.
All Betty Widdershins wants is an adventure--one that takes her far away from Crowstone, the gloomy island where she's always lived. But instead of an adventure, Betty and her sisters, Fliss and Charlie, are given of a set of magical objects, each with its own powers: a scruffy carpet bag, a set of wooden nesting dolls, and a gilt-framed mirror. And these magical objects come with their own terrible secret: the sisters' family is haunted by a generations-long curse that prevents them from ever leaving their island--at the cost of death. The sisters set out to break the curse and free their family forever.
But after stumbling upon a mysterious prisoner who claims to be able to help them, they find themselves in great danger. And in order to break the curse--and stay alive--they must unravel a mystery that goes back centuries, one that involves shipwrecks, smugglers, and sorcery of the most perilous kind.
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Kirkus
A gripping, atmospheric tale of sorcery, secrets, and sisterhood, infused with the titular pinch of magic.
ALA/Booklist
In a coming-of-age journey that is emotional, dramatic, and magical, A Pinch of Magic packs more than a pinch of heart, exploring the love of three sisters, as well as curses, imprisonment, and adventure.
School Library Journal
"Adventure awaits the audacious!" 13-year-old Betty tells herself, longing to shake free of Crowstone and her duties at her aunt's inn, Poacher's Pocket. Betty's plans to sneak off to the Halloween Fayre take a turn for the worse, and when her aunt swoops to the rescue, Betty and her sisters find out just how close to home they must stay. Each girl has been gifted with an enchanted item, but the pinch of magic comes with a curse: Leaving Crowstone for more than a day means death. Middle child Betty rallies her siblings, and armed with their magical gifts and their wits, the Widdershin sisters set out (some more enthusiastically than others) to lift the curse and solve the mystery behind it. Harrison weaves an atmospheric story, with a maiden (or is she a sorceress?) locked in a tower, escaped prisoners, a missing parent, and a surly tavern guest who might know more than he's letting on. Kim's illustrations at each chapter heading add to the appeal. VERDICT A good choice for middle grade fairy-tale fans craving something with an occasionally dark twist, and some sisterly double crossing.—Maggie Knapp, Trinity Valley Sch., Fort Worth, TX
Copyright 2020 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.Review quotes
JUV001000 - Juvenile Fiction | Action & Adventure
JUV013070 - Juvenile Fiction | Family | Siblings
Sisters
Fantasy
Quests (Expeditions)
Blessing and cursing
Prisoners
