I promise not to fool you. You should definitely read this heartwarming story. The tale is narrated by Lil Evers, pictured on the cover sitting in her wheelchair.

She wants to attend a real wizarding school rather than the worst junior high in the district where she is currently in a special ed classroom. Isolated from the rest of the school, Lil and her friends decide to make their own school of magic with wands and capes. The pretend magic isn’t real, but it helps pass the time.

Magic takes on a whole new meaning when their wands seem to scare away some bullies. Now the whole school thinks their magic is real. Dozens of kids want their wishes to come true with a good luck charm from Lil’s group. The ones they give out seem to be working and changing the whole atmosphere of the school in a positive direction.

Soon there are several warnings from an unknown person who is opposed to these good luck charms. They do discover the individual’s identity and now it is up to these exceptional children to find their voice. The goal is to stop this evil person and save Willow Springs Middle from closing.

Lil is a magical character. She has celebral palsy and uses an alternative communication device to speak when having to talk more than a few words. She learns the power it takes to be recognized and accepted by her regular classroom peers.

FOOLED shows a community where ableism is ever present and diverse learners are not fully accepted. I’m sure there are still schools in America who are this way despite the law that guarantees a free and appropriate education for students with disabilities. The story is full of opportunities for discussion and reflection. My only hesitation is the length which is a bit long for a more contemporary type plot. Regardless, this one is a great addition to the middle grade shelves.

PAGES: 288 BOOK BIRTHDAY: October 21, 2025

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT FOOLED by Susan and Lexi Haas

1. You’ll find a handy discussion and activity guide at the end of the book. It’s the perfect way to engage one into learning more about friendships, disabilities, and the magic we each possess.
2. The EC teacher was just the kind of support system these kids needed. Eva the popular class president was also a great character who provided her own unique way of supporting new friends.
3. The information that hurtful terms like fool, idiot, and retard should neveer be used anywhere to describe another person.
4. Lil’s Epilogue on the final page expresses her heartfelt feelings about what just happened in her life. Makes you want to meet this character in person.
5. Never judge a character before you know the whole story. This was brought out beautifully with the reveals about the life of Mr. Riddick, the school janitor.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Susan and Lexi Haas are a mother and daughter writing team focusing on disability education and advocacy and the authors of The Year of the Buttered Cat, a Junior Library Guild gold standard selection. Lexi has a rare and severe form of cerebral palsy. While she can’t walk or talk, she was reading by ten months old, has an impressive memory, a keen sense of humor, and an invincible spirit. Recognizing her young daughter’s gift for words, Susan began writing with Lexi to help foster independence and develop communication, but soon learned that Lexi’s fresh perspective needed to be shared with others. In addition to writing together, Susan and Lexi also enjoy presenting to schools and organizations around the world, helping others learn about disability from a first-person narrative. They live in Charlotte, NC.

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