In this graphic novel of magic and empowerment, 12-year-old Shakti has just moved to Amherst, Massachusetts, with her two moms. Her mother Terri (“Mom”), who is pregnant, is finishing her Ph.D. in microbiology, and Shaki is hoping this will be their home for a while. Her mother Rita (“Amma”), a programmer, is also a witch, with powers passed down from Durga Ma, an ancient Hindu deity.
On the first day of seventh grade, Shakti meets a new friend, Xi, who shares her love of manga. But the three meanest girls in school—Harini, Emily, and Kelly (aka “HEK”) include Shakti and Xi in their targets. When Shakti and Xi discover HEK casting spells in the woods, they realize that they’ve ensorcelled the teachers so that only HEK succeeds in class. Shakti must convince her mother to teach her the magic that is part of her heritage, too, so that she can protect herself.
Eventually, HEK’s plans threaten the whole town. Shakti prays to Durga Ma for help in stopping HEK—but instead, conjures Kali Ma, the destroyer—Durga Ma’s dangerous twin. Kali Ma transforms HEK into monsters and curses the entire town. Amma is focused on protecting Mom and the imminent baby. Can Shakti learn to use both her strength and empathy to save both her family and the town?
Shakti is a strong heroine who only gets stronger, emotionally and magically, over the course of the book. I also appreciate that the bullies aren’t just caricatures; without giving too much away, I’ll just say that we learn about their motivations, too, and this is something Shakti has to come to terms with as well. It’s more nuanced than many stories involving bullying.
The magic system, too, feels thought-out and unique, and is sometimes amusingly explained through call-out boxes in which Shakti offers “facts” about the deities and the way that magic works. Magic, excitement, friendship, and overcoming obstacles both external and internal—the story has it all.
Importantly, too, all of the main characters are people of color, which shouldn’t have to be notable but still is. Shakti and Amma are South Asian; Mom is Black. Xi is East Asian (and also has a crush on another girl, who is Muslim). Secondary characters are a variety of racial/ethnic identities.
There are hints that Shakti and her growing group of friends might be up for a sequel; I certainly hope so!
