You're Still Hoping to Go to a Magic School

It's a middle grade extravaganza

Hi friends,

I hope those of you in California are safe. I’m sending good thoughts your way.

I’m doing something different this week and spotlighting three books written for younger readers, although I think they can be enjoyed by all.

I fell into a bit of a reading slump towards the end of last year and it was a combination of rereading Lucy Parker books and reading kidlit that got me out of it. So, whether you’re looking for a book you can read as a family or just something that you can read faster/easier, these books are for you.

Quick note: I’ll be in your inboxes on Tuesday next week because of Martin Luther King. Jr. Day.

And, now, what to read if …

You Want to Be Transported to a Magical School

The Marvellers by Dhonielle Clayton

As someone who imprinted on Harry Potter, I’m a sucker for a magical school book aimed at young readers, and The Marvellers does not disappoint. It follows Ella Durand, the first person from a historically marginalized magical community called Conjurers, to attend the Arcanum Training Institute. At the Arcanum, a school in the sky, Marvellers, magical youth from around the world, learn to harness their powers.

Unfortunately, Ella quickly learns that not everyone is excited about Conjurers attending the elite school. Even some of her teachers imply Conjure is dangerous or somehow less than traditional Marvell magic. Eventually, she finds her groove, befriending fellow misfit Brigit, who hates magic, and Jason, a boy with a gift for communicating with magical creatures, and finding a mentor in her elixirs teacher, Masterji Thakur. But when a famous criminal known as “Ace of Anarchy” escapes from prison, allegedly with the help of Conjurers, suspicion falls on Ella. Her situation grows even worse when Masterji disappears.

The Marvellers is an inspired magical take on Ruby Bridges’ story that will resonate with kids and adults alike. Moreover, it’s a joy to read. As soon as I finished the audiobook, I immediately downloaded the sequel. For further proof, here’s what the reigning king of middle-grade fantasy, Rick Riordan, had to say about it: “The Marvellers deserves the highest compliment I can give a book: I want to live in this world." Me too, Rick, me too.

You Need a Warm Hug of a Book

Where Are You Going, Baby Lincoln? By Kate DiCamillo, Illustrated by Chris Van Dusen

After I realized I could successfully read kidlit, I thought, ‘I should look at what Kate DiCamillo has put out recently.’ The very next day a coworker told me to read Where Are You Going, Baby Lincoln? and I borrowed a digital copy from the library before I had left the office.

Baby Lincoln is not actually an infant, but an elderly woman who has lived her entire life with a controlling older sister, Eugenia. When Eugenia tells Baby what to do, she simply acquiesces, saying “yes sister.” That is until she wakes one day and declares she is taking a “necessary journey.” Despite Eugenia’s objections, Baby sets out for an adventure.

I felt such peace while reading Baby Lincoln’s story. There was something very comforting about knowing that it’s never too late to break a pattern — or take an adventure. I’ve since heard from multiple friends that their children are equally (and perhaps surprisingly?) entranced by Where Are You Going, Baby Lincoln?.

One fun thing about this book and the others in this series, “Tales from Deckawoo Drive,” which are for kids ages 6-9, is that they are spinoffs from a picture book series for younger readers about Mercy Watson, a pig who adores toast with a great deal of butter on it. I love the idea of kids starting with one book series and being able to follow the characters as they age up.

You’re a Series of Unfortunate Events Fan

The Millicent Quibb School of Etiquette for Young Ladies of Mad Science by Kate McKinnon

Gertrude, Eugenia and Dee-Dee Porch do not fit in with their adopted family, their etiquette school or their snooty city of Antiquarium where the only legal pet is a bichon frisé. When they’re kicked out of yet another etiquette school, the Porch sisters expect to be shipped off to “a school for failures” in Austria, until they receive a mysterious invitation to another institution.

After the girls arrive at their new school, they learn it is not an etiquette school but a place to study mad science. Their teacher is none other than Millicent Quibb, the crazy lady they grew up hearing scary tales about. Millicent introduces them to pizza, drives a bus powered by gerbils and uses a hermit crab as spy technology. She also insists Antiquarium is under attack and that the four of them are the only people who can save it — if the girls embrace their fate as mad scientists.

The Millicent Quibb School of Etiquette for Young Ladies of Mad Science is a fun ride, with bizarre contraptions and hilarious asides. It feels a bit like it was written by Kate McKinnon’s “Weird Barbie” character from last summer’s blockbuster. Don’t miss the audiobook, which McKinnon narrates.

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