IT”S ANOTHER EDITION OF MARVELOUS MIDDLE GRADE MONDAY!

Exactly what is going on in the small town known as Kismet, Maine? Willow, her mom, and little brother, Wisp, find themselves stuck there during a bad snowstorm. The townspeople—at least the ones 13 and older—seem to already know what is going to happen next during the day. 

Willow is suspicious of the events and even more so when she meets a boy her age, Topher, who will soon turn 13. She tries to avoid him at first but realizes he might be the only person who could tell her the reasons behind this strange town. Willow is also worried about Wisp (Loved those names and the reason behind them). Wisp has an illness doctors can’t figure out. Equally worrisome is her mother who acts like she might want to stay in the town for good. The magic would make life so much easier.

Told in third person present, it’s a touching story of family, and the hurt it brings to all when the focus is on a sick family member. There are unspoken rules to follow around Wisp leaving Willow with a felling of being left out. The town’s magic is hidden away but leave it to a strong-willed girl like Willow to find the source. An impossible choice has to be made: Stay and follow the magical rules of the  town or leave and divide their family forever. It’s a moral dilemma that will have you on one side or the other. A richly rewarding read.

PUBLISHED: 2019   PAGE COUNT: 224

FIVE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT—

THE ROOT OF MAGIC by Kathleen Benner Duble

1. The setting is magical without the magic. Maine is a great place to visit either in person or through a book.
2. Topher and Willow have a wide range of emotions that bring them closer together. It’s a relationship young people will understand and you’ll smile at the results.
3. I had to giggle at Wisp. He gets away with some little boy misdeeds and everyone looks the other way because of his illness.
4. The town wants to save this family but at what costs? An enticing dilemma and one where the pages go by in a flash.
5. Willow is the heart of the story. Her rebellious attitude, along with the love for her brother and parents brought this character to new heights.

THE OFFICIAL PLOT

Kathleen Benner Duble’s ADVICE ON WRITING

Don’t ever give up if this is what you want more than anything else in the world! If you are truly a writer, you will be unable not to write.

For more visit Kathleen’s web site. You’ll find information about her family life and books, informative pieces like Twenty Writing Tips for Aspiring Writers, and background on THE ROOT OF MAGIC, including this short video:

Also available is a discussion guide great for the classroom or for those home schoolers!

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I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

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