  | Witchlings (Witchlings) Author: Ortega, Claribel A. | |
| Price: $23.08 | ||
Summary:
Every year, in the magical town of Ravenskill, Witchlings participate in the Black Moon Ceremony to be put into covens and come into their powers as full-fledged witches. Twelve-year-old Seven Salazar can't wait to be placed in the most powerful coven with her best friend! But on the night of the ceremony, Seven is instead placed in a Spare coven with fewer, less powerful witches. To gain their full powers, she and the other Spares will have to complete an impossible task.
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| Accelerated Reader Information: Interest Level: MG Reading Level: 5.60 Points: 11.0 Quiz: 515920 |
Reviews:
Kirkus Reviews (12/15/21)
School Library Journal (05/20/22)
Booklist (01/01/22)
The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books (00/04/22)
Full Text Reviews:
Booklist - 01/01/2022 Seven Salazar is a Witchling who is excited to be placed in a coven and come into her full powers during the approaching Black Moon Ceremony; so it’s a devastating shock when the big day comes and Seven is instead made a “Spare” with two other girls. Determined to cast off this undesirable fate, the three girls undertake an impossible task so that they might become fully fledged witches in a coven of their own making—but they will have to work together if they are to succeed. Ortega (Ghost Squad, 2020) weaves a gorgeous tale of determination and magic in her sophomore novel. The story explores the importance of having understanding and supportive friends, especially while making personal discoveries and finding out what one is really made of. This touching tale blends fantastic and realistic moments to create a saga of sisterhood that will resonate with readers even as it charms. Pair this with Emma Steinkellner’s The Okay Witch (2019) and Julie Abe’s Eva Evergreen, Semi-Magical Witch (2020). - Copyright 2022 Booklist.
School Library Journal - 05/20/2022 Gr 3–7—Twelve-year-old Seven Salazar excitedly awaits the Black Moon ceremony where she and her best friend Poppy hope to be placed in the powerful coven, House Hyacinth. Sadly, only Poppy joins House Hyacinth and in a nightmare come true, Seven finds out that she's a Spare. In the magical town of Ravenskill, Spares are looked down on and have less power. To make matters worse, also in her coven are Seven's bully, Valley Pepperhorn, and a girl named Thorn. When the three are unable to seal their coven, Seven invokes the impossible task which, if completed successfully, would seal their coven and give them their full power as witches. Their impossible task to fell the Nightbeast is a difficult enough endeavor, but they also have to contend with their constant bickering, the community's unfavorable view toward Spares, and a mysterious conspiracy surrounding the Nightbeast. The trio of witchlings eventually overcome misunderstandings, grow to trust each other, and work together. The sorting system has a unique spin to it with the presence and treatment of the Spares. Readers familiar with Spanish may recognize the magic words used to cast spells: viento for wind, esconder for hiding something, and so on. Among the cast are many Latinx characters, a character with a nonbinary gender identity, and those in a same-sex relationship. The poor treatment of Spares may spark a timely conversation on the lack of protection for marginalized communities. The witchlings also find out that Valley's father is abusive, on one occasion starving her for two days because of a bad grade. Mentions of abuse may be distressing to some readers. VERDICT A magic-filled quest of friendship and power sure to please lovers of the genre; an excellent purchase for libraries.—Myiesha Speight - Copyright 2022 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.
