How would you feel if you had to move to a new country and start all over, like Janie?

This is a discussion prompt for The Apothecary by Maile Meloy. Use it to spark conversation with your child after reading.

What does it mean to be brave, even when you're scared or facing a huge challenge?

This is a discussion prompt for The Apothecary by Maile Meloy. Use it to spark conversation with your child after reading.

How do you think people in 1952 felt about the threat of nuclear war, and how does this book make you think about global events?

This is a discussion prompt for The Apothecary by Maile Meloy. Use it to spark conversation with your child after reading.

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The Apothecary

Name: The Apothecary
ISBN: 9780329981433

by Maile Meloy

Janie moves to 1952 London and gets swept up in a magical race to stop a nuclear war using ancient secrets. A thrilling historical adventure.

About This Book

Follows a fourteen-year-old American girl whose life unexpectedly transforms when she moves to London in 1952 and gets swept up in a race to save the world from nuclear war.

Concepts

Resilience & Perseverance Fear & Bravery Teamwork & Collaboration Self-Confidence & Identity Loneliness & Belonging Justice & Fairness Moving Being Different

Heads up, parents

peril_danger

Wonderlit Review

The Apothecary Kindle offers a compelling blend of historical fiction, adventure, and fantasy, making it a unique read for middle-grade audiences. The story centers on Janie, a fourteen-year-old American girl who finds herself in 1952 London, a city still recovering from war and living under the shadow of the Cold War. Her unexpected discovery of a hidden world of magic and an urgent quest to prevent nuclear war provides a thrilling narrative arc. The book handles the sensitive topic of nuclear war by framing it within a fantastical race against time, making it accessible for younger readers while still conveying the gravity of the threat. The emotional arc is one of discovery and growing courage, as Janie adapts to her new surroundings and rises to meet extraordinary challenges. This book is specifically for readers aged 10-14 who enjoy immersive, longer chapter books with a strong female protagonist. A parent might reach for this when their child is looking for an exciting adventure, has an interest in history, or is navigating a new environment themselves. Parents should be prepared to discuss the historical context of the Cold War and the concept of nuclear threats, as well as the fantastical elements. Younger readers (10-11) will be drawn to the adventure and magic, while older readers (12-14) will appreciate the historical setting and the high stakes of the plot. Its unique combination of a specific historical period with magical realism sets it apart from typical fantasy or historical fiction offerings.