Minor Mage

Reach for this book when your child feels overwhelmed by a task they do not think they are 'good enough' to handle, or when they feel their natural talents are lacking compared to their peers. It is a story about Oliver, a young boy with very limited magical abilities who must go on a dangerous quest to save his village from a drought because no one else is available to do it. Accompanied by a sarcastic armadillo familiar, Oliver learns that bravery is not the absence of fear or the presence of great power, but the willingness to keep going despite his limitations. The book handles themes of self-worth and responsibility with a refreshing dose of humor and groundedness. While the setting is fantastical, the emotional core is deeply relatable for children navigating the pressures of growing up. It is perfectly suited for middle grade readers (ages 8 to 12) who enjoy adventure but appreciate stories that acknowledge the scary parts of being the hero. Parents will appreciate how it deconstructs the 'chosen one' trope, showing that anyone can make a difference through persistence and resourcefulness.