Bewitching

Reach for this book when your teenager is grappling with the unintended consequences of their actions or feels like an outsider watching others from the sidelines. This collection of interconnected stories follows Kendra, the immortal witch from Beastly, as she moves through history, from the 16th-century London plague to modern-day New York. While the magic is the hook, the heart of the book explores the heavy burden of power and the messy reality that even well-intentioned 'help' can lead to disaster. It is a sophisticated look at moral ambiguity and the search for belonging. Flinn uses classic fairy tale structures, such as Hansel and Gretel and The Little Mermaid, to ground Kendra's journey. Parents will appreciate how the stories tackle the complexities of identity and the realization that there are rarely simple solutions to life's problems. It is ideally suited for readers aged 12 and up who enjoy dark, atmospheric stories that challenge the traditional 'happily ever after' narrative. By following a character who often fails before she succeeds, teens are encouraged to reflect on their own influence over the people around them.