Like a Charm (Like a Charm #1)

A magical, modern fantasy for anyone who has felt that they don't fit in.

An uplifting tale of magic, community, and acceptance.

In this eloquently written duology opener by McNicoll (Show Us Who You Are), a 12-year-old with Scottish and British ancestry is seemingly the only one capable of seeing magical creatures that live among humans. Following an emotional blowout between then-five-year-old Ramya Knox's parents and her maternal grandfather, Ramya is forbidden from seeing him. Seven years later, Ramya--who is resentful toward those who view her as "useless" because of her dyspraxia--is stunned to receive a blank book upon her grandfather's death, inscribed with an ominous warning: "Beware the sirens." Ramya soon discovers that her native Edinburgh is home to vampires, trolls, kelpies, and fae. What's more, Ramya learns that she has a rare ability to see through their protective Glamour. Now she must take on the mantle her grandfather left behind: recording the truths about the Hidden Folk. But as she delves further into the enchanted world existing parallel to her own, family secrets emerge and nefarious beings stalk her. By spinning a dark and delightful Edinburgh setting elevated by innovative twists on Scottish mythology, McNicoll paints a vivacious portrait of one neurodivergent tween's experience navigating the world. Ramya's frustrations and vulnerability make for a resilient character who refuses to be defined by her challenges. Ages 8-12. Agent: Suzie Townshend, New Leaf Literary & Media. (Oct.)

Copyright 2023 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

A title that will draw readers into a magical world where disability, family, and community take on all new meanings. Ramya Knox, a 12-year-old with dyspraxia, finds herself feeling quite alone. Her mum and dad are always busy with their jobs as news anchors, and she isn't close to her extended family, several of whom are a little strange. The one person who seemed to care, her grandfather, has passed away, leaving her with the seemingly impossible task of finding and documenting the lives of the Hidden Folk. As it turns out, Ramya has rare magical skills that may put her in jeopardy if she doesn't learn to rely on the community of misfits that thrive unseen in the city of Edinburgh. This book will keep readers turning pages to find out what happens next. McNicoll blends discussions of neurodivergence seamlessly into the plot, slowly building Ramya's social circle as she meets vampires, kelpies, fairies, and witches. Ramya sees into hidden worlds in a way that recalls fantasies that have come before, from the "Chronicles of Narnia" to the TV series Grimm. VERDICT An engaging fantasy/adventure story ideal for anyone experiencing social alienation; it's especially deft in its handling of the topics of neurodivergence and disability.—Talea Anderson.

Copyright 2023 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

★ "By spinning a dark and delightful Edinburgh setting elevated by innovative twists on Scottish mythology, McNicoll paints a vivacious portrait of one neurodivergent tween's experience navigating the world." —Publishers Weekly, starred review

"A magical, modern fantasy for anyone who has felt that they don't fit in." —Booklist

"An uplifting tale of magic, community, and acceptance." —Kirkus Reviews

"An engaging fantasy/adventure story ideal for anyone experiencing social alienation; it's especially deft in its handling of the topics of neurodivergence and disability." —School Library Journal