Emma and the Love Spell

December 4, 2023
Fresh out of sixth grade, Korean American adoptee Emma Davidson has the perfect summer planned out—and it definitely doesn’t involve using her magical powers, which seem to go haywire whenever she loses control of her emotions. But then she finds out that the parents of her best friend and crush Avangeline are getting divorced, and that Avangeline is moving away. Though she’s initially keen on following her own parents’ advice to avoid using her powers and “act normal,” Emma believes that if she can use her magic to reconcile Avangeline’s parents, her bestie won’t have to move. With help from her talking parrot and mind-reading cat, Emma practices her magic, but when things go awry, Emma promises Avangeline that she won’t interfere anymore—and covertly breaks that promise as she continues to refine her powers with the help of an unexpected mentor. Magic abounds in this cheery tale by Ireland (Everyone Hates Kelsie Miller), who employs fast pacing, good humor, and tons of heart to adeptly convey one queer tween’s struggle to navigate her feelings and desires, as well as her burgeoning realization that it will take more than good intentions (and fledging enchantments) to repair damaged relationships. Major supporting characters read as white. Ages 9–12. Agent: Lauren Spieller, Folio Literary.