Emma and the Love Spell

by Meredith Ireland

Overview

Witchlings meets The Parent Trap in this contemporary fantasy about a girl who tries to use her fickle witchy powers to keep her best friend (and secret crush!) from moving away.

Twelve-year-old, Korean American adoptee Emma Davidson has a problem. Two problems. Okay, three:

1. She has a crush on her best friend, Avangeline, that she hasn't been able to share

2. Avangeline now has to move out of their town because her parents are getting a divorce

3. Oh, and Emma is a secret witch who can't really control her powers

It's a complicated summer between sixth and seventh grade. Emma's parents made her promise that she'd keep her powers a secret and never, ever use them. But if Avangeline's parents fell back in love, it would fix everything. And how hard could one little love spell be?

This fast-paced, heartfelt story is a powerful exploration of learning to embrace who you are, even when your true self is different from everyone around you.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781547612604
Publisher:	Bloomsbury USA
Publication date:	01/23/2024
Pages:	288
Product dimensions:	8.30(w) x 5.50(h) x 1.00(d)
Age Range:	9 - 12 Years

About the Author

Meredith Ireland was born in Korea and adopted by a New York librarian. Her love of books started early and, although she pursued both pre-med at Rollins College and law at the University of Miami, stories were her fate. She currently resides with her two children, and Bob, a carnival goldfish who's likely a person. She writes children's books, some of which you may like. She is the author of the YA novels The Jasmine Project, a JLG Gold Standard Selection, and Everyone Hates Kelsie Miller. She is also a contributor to You Are Here, a middle grade anthology, and When We Became Ours, a young adult anthology.

meredithireland.wordpress.com

Twitter: @meredithireland

Instagram: @writermeredithireland

Editorial Reviews

Both heartwarming and hilarious! This lovely story about embracing your own unique identity is not to be missed!” —Ellen Oh, author of Finding Junie Kim and cofounder of We Need Diverse Books

“Reading this book feels like talking to your funny, honest best friend. Ireland has a way of making Emma's experiences-whether they be sad, embarrassing, scary, or wondrous-totally relatable. I loved this book.” —Misa Sugiura, author of Momo Arashima Steals the Sword of the Wind and It's Not Like It's a Secret

“A whimsical delight of a story so magical that it feels like it cast a spell on me. Emma and the Love Spell is sure to charm readers who will adore plucky Emma; her best friend Avangeline; and of course, Persimmon, the sassy, talking cat.” —Julie Abe, author of the Eva Evergreen and Tessa Miyata series

“In the completely enchanting Emma and the Love Spell, Meredith Ireland weaves a delightful story of best friendship, first crushes, and the life-changing magic of coming into your powers-whatever they may be. A wonderful read.” —Anne Ursu, author of The Troubled Girls of Dragomir Academy

“At once tender and spunky, Emma and the Love Spell is a spirited reminder that we contain multitudes and anything is possible when we embrace that truth-even a little bit of magic.” —Sarah Suk, author of The Space between Here & Now and Made in Korea

“Magic abounds in this cheery tale by Ireland, who employs fast pacing, good humor, and tons of heart to adeptly convey one queer tween's struggle to navigate her feelings and desires.” —Publishers Weekly

“This sweet story touches on self-identity, belonging, and otherness in an accessible way. Ireland's character development is sophisticated yet approachable, much like Kelly Yang's Front Desk. Readers of all ages will appreciate Emma's journey of self-discovery in this fast-paced fantasy.” —School Library Journal, starred review

“With plenty of relatable depth and wide appeal, this is a stellar pick.” —Booklist

“A satisfying story of emotional growth that will leave readers hoping for more magical adventures.” —Kirkus Reviews

From the Publisher

2023-10-07
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)

Kirkus Reviews