Interest Age Teen, Reading Age 8 | August 2019 Book of the Month
Holly Bourne weaves her special magic in this punchy, touching, believable story of female friendship. Sophia is heartbroken since being unceremoniously dumped by school heartthrob Aidan Chambers. Her best friends Mia and Alexis are sympathetic but certain Sophia is better off without him. Nonetheless, they’ll indulge her by trying a bit of amateur witchcraft if it’ll make her feel better. Their home-made spells conjure other things into the light including Mia’s self-harming, something everyone’s known about, but been unable to mention. By the end of the story, readers will understand that real magic has happened, the kind of transformation that trust, kindness and friendship can and does effect every day. Within the book’s short extent, Bourne creates living, breathing characters and a story that will connect directly with readers.
Particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant or dyslexic readers aged 13+
Sophia, Mia and Alexis are clinging on to a spark of hope that maybe - just maybe - they're special. But could they really be witches with the power to cast life-changing spells? When the three friends gather to cheer up heartbroken Sophia, they're ready to put their theory to the test. But when long-held secrets are revealed and hard truths start to hit home, their night of bewitching quickly takes an unexpected turn ...
Particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant or dyslexic readers aged 13+
Holly Bourne worked as an editor and relationship advisor for a youth charity for six years before becoming a full-time author. Her bestselling YA fiction includes It Only Happens In the Movies, which was shortlisted for the YA Book Prize 2018, and the critically acclaimed Spinster Club series. Holly is an advocate for reducing the stigma around mental health problems and has a keen interest in women’s rights. She lives in Lewes.
