A powerful young witch grows the confidence to manage difficult emotions and wield her magic.Two years have passed since Korean American Emma and her white adoptive parents moved to their small town, and Emma still has only one friend-one with whom she's fallen in love. So, when Avangeline (who reads white) shares that she'll be moving across the country due to her parents' divorce, Emma is devastated. But she can't express her pain freely, because her feelings have consequences: When she's joyful, flowers bloom; when she's upset, there's lightning. Emma's nonmagical parents try to suppress her magic with a "Just Act Normal" strategy that leaves her feeling fragmented, ashamed, and afraid of herself. If only someone other than talking animals could guide her so she could use her magic for something good-like making Avangeline's parents fall back in love. With her parents leaving for a few days, Emma has a chance to try, but babysitter Mrs. Cornwall spots her practicing and reveals that she, too, is a witch. Should Emma trust her suspicions about Mrs. Cornwall, or has she found a helpful mentor? Clear, descriptive storytelling elucidates complex emotions and relationships with care and the right pacing. Readers will resonate with Emma's struggle for authenticity as she considers the risks of conflict or rejection if she exposes hidden parts of herself.A satisfying story of emotional growth that will leave readers hoping for more magical adventures. (Fantasy. 9-13)

Fresh out of sixth grade, Korean American adoptee Emma Davidson has the perfect summer planned out—and it definitely doesn’t involve using her magical powers, which seem to go haywire whenever she loses control of her emotions. But then she finds out that the parents of her best friend and crush Avangeline are getting divorced, and that Avangeline is moving away. Though she’s initially keen on following her own parents’ advice to avoid using her powers and “act normal,” Emma believes that if she can use her magic to reconcile Avangeline’s parents, her bestie won’t have to move. With help from her talking parrot and mind-reading cat, Emma practices her magic, but when things go awry, Emma promises Avangeline that she won’t interfere anymore—and covertly breaks that promise as she continues to refine her powers with the help of an unexpected mentor. Magic abounds in this cheery tale by Ireland (Everyone Hates Kelsie Miller), who employs fast pacing, good humor, and tons of heart to adeptly convey one queer tween’s struggle to navigate her feelings and desires, as well as her burgeoning realization that it will take more than good intentions (and fledging enchantments) to repair damaged relationships. Major supporting characters read as white. Ages 9–12. Agent: Lauren Spieller, Folio Literary. (Jan.)