For the child who loves the idea of magic but wonders what happens when spells go delightfully, hilariously wrong, this story celebrates friendship, unexpected powers, and finding courage when things
A parent might reach for this book when their child is captivated by magic but ready for a story with a bit more spooky fun and humor. The Demon Notebook follows Grace and her four best friends, a group of would-be witches whose silly spells never work. That is, until they use a Ouija board and accidentally invite a mischievous demon to possess their spellbook. What follows is a hilarious and chaotic adventure as their spells start coming true in the worst ways possible. This story brilliantly balances mild scares with laugh-out-loud moments, all while centering on the power of friendship, teamwork, and finding your courage. It's a perfect choice for middle-grade readers who enjoy a delightful mix of fantasy, comedy, and light suspense.
The book's primary sensitive topic is the use of a Ouija board and the concept of a demon. This is handled entirely within a fantasy context and is not tied to any specific religion. The "demon" is portrayed as a trickster entity that causes chaos rather than a figure of pure evil. The approach is secular and focuses on the magical adventure. The resolution is hopeful, with the children successfully solving their problem through cleverness and teamwork.
Ideal Reader
This book is ideal for a 9 to 11-year-old who enjoys stories about friendship groups and is moving from simpler fantasy into more complex middle-grade plots. They likely enjoy a blend of humor and spooky elements (think 'Goosebumps' but with more focus on character and comedy). It's perfect for the child who daydreams about having magical powers with their best friends.
Parent Prep
A parent should be aware of the Ouija board scene early in the book, which is the catalyst for the entire plot. The term "demon" is used throughout. No specific context is needed to read the book, but a conversation about the difference between fantasy stories and reality might be helpful for more sensitive or younger readers in the age range. A parent might hear their child talking about ghosts, demons, or Ouija boards with friends. This book provides a safe, fictional container for that curiosity, framing these elements as part of a fun, empowering adventure rather than something to be genuinely feared or replicated.
Age Experience
A younger reader (8-9) will focus on the slapstick humor of the spells gone wrong and the excitement of the adventure. An older reader (10-12) will appreciate the cleverness of the plot, the dynamics within the friendship group, and the main character Grace's development as she learns to be a leader and face her fears.
What Makes It Special
Unlike many middle-grade fantasies focused on a single 'chosen one,' this story's power is rooted in a collective group of friends. Its key differentiator is the masterful blend of genuine, low-stakes spookiness with laugh-out-loud comedy. The possessed object trope is given a fresh spin by making the 'demon' more of a chaotic trickster than a terrifying villain, making the conflict one of wits over brawn.
Read plot summary
Five best friends, led by Grace, enjoy trying to cast spells from a notebook they've created, though none of them ever work. During a sleepover, they use a Ouija board and inadvertently allow a chaotic, mischievous demon to possess the notebook. Suddenly, their spells start working, but in twisted, inconvenient, and often hilarious ways. A spell for perfect hair results in endlessly growing blue locks, and a spell to find a lost item summons every lost thing in the neighborhood. The friends must band together to figure out how to outsmart the demon and contain the notebook's power before it causes irreparable damage.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
The demon in the notebook grants the girls' spells in the most literal, twisted way possible. If you had to write a spell for the notebook, how would you word it very carefully to try and outsmart the demon?
2
Grace's four friends have very different reactions to the magical chaos. Which friend's approach (Jenny's, Rachel's, Adie's, or Una's) do you think was most helpful, and why?
3
The girls started using the notebook for fun, but things got serious. Was there a point where you think they should have told an adult? Why do you think they decided to handle it themselves?
4
Grace often feels she has to be the brave one for her friends, even when she's scared. What does being brave mean in this story? Is it not being afraid, or is it doing something even when you are afraid?
