Witches star in two of this week’s new LGBTQ-inclusive middle grade books! One is a hilarious tale that evokes Roald Dahl (but has a trans girl protagonist); the other is the next installment of a delightful series set in a queer-normative world.
Click titles or images for full reviews.
The Ink Witch, by Steph Cherrywell (Little, Brown). Rarely does a book knock it out of the park with such pitch-perfect pacing, brilliantly realized characters, rip-roaringly hilarious dialogue, and captivating worldbuilding. The Ink Witch, however, brings to mind classic tales from Roald Dahl and Lemony Snicket while at the same time being sparklingly original. The story centers on a child at the brink of puberty who suddenly realizes she’s a witch. But unlike the series-that-shall-not be-named, this one doesn’t take place at a magical school—and its protagonist is a transgender girl.
On one level, the book is a chaotically exuberant adventure, with top-notch worldbuilding and several surprising twists. The characters are quirky and fun. That alone would be enough to commend it. But author Steph Cherrywell also thoughtfully explores the importance of being seen for oneself and what it means to be part of a group even as one forges one’s own identity.
Becca’s transness is not the focus of the book, but nor is it ignored. Rather, Cherrywell brings it up in ways that feel authentic for the character. Cherrywell also gives us one of the strongest affirmations of chosen names I’ve ever seen, not simply asserting that we should respect them, but weaving their power into the plot itself. I’ll say no more for fear of spoilers, except that I think it’s brilliant.
(Astute readers may note that this is in fact the second book in recent months to star a trans witch trying to save her mother; the first is Charlie Jane Anders’s recent Lessons in Magic and Disaster—also terrific, but definitely for grown-ups, not kids.)
Scepter of Memories (Witchlings #4), by Claribel Ortega (Scholastic). The Witchlings are back in the fourth volume of Claribel Ortega’s fun and magical series! Witchling Seven Salazar and friends Valley Pepperhorn and Thorn Laroux are continuing to fight the evil Ambert Lophiifor’s plan to take over the Twelve Towns. But when a malignant magic makes even their closest allies forget who they are, they must flee into the wilds of the Enchanted Grim, in search of a witch who might have answers to help them. What they learn there, however, sends them through the monstruo-filled Grim to places even more unknown, all while Seven still struggles to master her own mysterious monstruo powers. Valley’s girlfriend has also broken up with her, but it seems like another girl could be developing a crush on her in this queer-normative world.
Ortega also highlights the importance of friendship and belonging, remembering our history, welcoming immigrant populations, defining our own communities, and being our true selves. The deeper themes give the story substance, but don’t take away from the delightful fun of it all. Fans of the series should love it (though readers who haven’t yet met Seven and her pals are advised to start with the first volume).