Emma and the Love Spell is a fun and engaging story about a preteen who has a big secret: She’s a witch. Korean American adoptee Emma has powers that are always out of control. Her non-magical parents have made her promise not to let anyone else know about the other side of her personality. Just act normal.
Emma is more than challenged with her secret, especially after best friend, Avangeline, reveals she is moving far away due to her parents planned divorce. Emma’s other big secret is she not only likes Avangeline, but has grown more into the “like, like” kind of feelings.
Emma decides she’ll use her magic to get Avangeline’s parents back in love again so they can stay in town. Friendship saved. Now if she only knew how to accomplish that feat. It’s the perfect time as Emma’s parents are out of town for a few days.
Emma narrates the story and her thoughts are full of emotion. There are twists and turns that will delight readers. The ending had me turning the pages and it left the doors wide open for a sequel.
BOOK BIRTHDAY: January 23, 2024 PAGE COUNT: 288
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FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: EMMA and the LOVE SPELL by Meredith Ireland
- A talking bird and an irritating cat who can read Emma’s mind bring much support to Emma. She’s the only one who knows they have this ability and it plays out well.
- Middle school kids are changing and growing quicker than they know how to handle it. The many problems facing Emma and Avangeline with their families will be both familiar and enlightening to young readers.
- The way the magic goes awry has an amusing result. Meanwhile, the magic that did work was an entertaining look at what is possible in the witching world.
- Temporary sitter, Mrs. Cornwall, is not trusted by Emma. The reveal was an especially intriguing twist.
- The relationship and crush Emma has for Avangeline always stays in the mind of a 12-year old. Innocent right to the end.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Meredith Ireland is a Korean American attorney and writer, born in Seoul. She is a Rollins College and University of Miami School of Law alumna. She writes young adult and children’s books and is proudly represented by Lauren Spieller of Folio Literary Agency. Her debut novel, THE JASMINE PROJECT, was a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard selection, a Best Book of 2021 according to Boston Public Library, and received a starred review from Booklist. Her follow up, EVERYONE HATES KELSIE MILLER, also from Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, was named a best book of 2022 by both Forbes and Seventeen Magazine. Her short story was featured in YOU ARE HERE, a middle grade anthology and the inaugural title from Allida/Clarion, which received six starred reviews. She will also have a short story in WHEN WE BECAME OURS, a YA anthology coming October 2023, edited by Nicole Chung. EMMA & THE LOVE SPELL, her debut middle grade fantasy will be out in January 2024 from Bloomsbury Children’s Publishing.
Meredith resides in New York with her two children and a county fair goldfish who will probably outlive them all.
(For more about Meredith, be sure to visit her author website)
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COMMENTS ARE WELCOME BELOW!
BE SURE TO VISIT OTHER BLOGGERS ON TODAY’S MARVELOUS MIDDLE GRADE MONDAY
Always in the Middle... 
I’m really glad you enjoyed this book because it’s been on my radar for awhile. I’m waiting for it to come in at the library and you’ve got me excited to read it. Thanks.
Sounds like an intriguing book. Thanks for the review.
I’m always up for a book that involves a bit of magic and mischief! Thanks for sharing this one – I’ll look for it.
I’m really excited about reading this book– and your review has only increased that feeling. Yay! Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I hope you have a great week. 🙂
This sounds like a great book and unique. I’ll bet kids will love it. Thanks for the review.
This sounds like a terrific book and a unique one. I’ll bet kids will love it. Thanks for your review.
The talking cat and irritating bird sound fun! Thanks for sharing!