My Thoughts:
This YA book may have "witchcraft"in the cover, and there are Hogwarts types of elements, however, this reads like other YA contemporary books about private school privilege, racism, classism, grooming, patriarchy, and queer enemies to lovers romance. It is fast paced and easily "sucked in-able" (yes, it is a made up word, but from the context, quite understandable).
The protagonist, Shay Johnson, knows that as a minority in a prestigious magnet school, she needs to get the best grades, get the highest magic scores, and win the Brockton scholarship in order to get into a licensing college. If she does not get into a licensing college, there is no way to move up in the magic world and help both her parents and herself out of poverty. But of course there are many roadblocks along the way, including her rival, Ana Alvarez.
Honestly, I forgot that this was about witches as it feels like a contemporary, realistic look at private schooling. Strong debut novel to add to the YA contemporary fantasy, LGBTQIA+ booklist.
From the Publisher:
Shay Johnson has all the makings of a successful witch. As a junior at T.K. Anderson Magical Magnet School, she’s determined to win the Brockton Scholarship—her ticket into the university of her dreams. Her competition? Ana freaking Álvarez. The key to victory? Impressing Mr. B, drama teacher and head of the scholarship committee.
When Mr. B asks Shay to star in this year’s aggressively inclusive musical, she warily agrees, even though she’ll have to put up with Ana playing the other lead. But in rehearsals, Shay realizes Ana is . . . not the despicable witch she’d thought. Perhaps she could be a friend—or more. And Shay could use someone in her corner once she becomes the target of Mr. B’s unwanted attention. When Shay learns she’s not the first witch to experience his inappropriate behavior, she must decide if she’ll come forward. But how can she speak out when her future's on the line?
When Mr. B asks Shay to star in this year’s aggressively inclusive musical, she warily agrees, even though she’ll have to put up with Ana playing the other lead. But in rehearsals, Shay realizes Ana is . . . not the despicable witch she’d thought. Perhaps she could be a friend—or more. And Shay could use someone in her corner once she becomes the target of Mr. B’s unwanted attention. When Shay learns she’s not the first witch to experience his inappropriate behavior, she must decide if she’ll come forward. But how can she speak out when her future's on the line?
Publication Information:
Author: Aislinn Brophy (she/they)
Publisher: G.P. Putnam Son's Books for Young Readers
Publication date: September 27, 2022
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