
Reach for this book when your child feels like they are being unfairly judged or when they are struggling to reconcile their family history with their own identity. This atmospheric fantasy follows Kara, a girl living in a village that fears magic, as she discovers a forbidden grimoire that belonged to her executed mother. Through Kara's journey, the story explores the weight of grief, the bond between siblings, and the courage it takes to stand up against mob mentality. It is a darker, more sophisticated middle-grade read that addresses the complexities of power and morality. While it contains some eerie imagery, it provides a powerful framework for discussing why people fear what they do not understand and how to find strength in one's unique abilities.
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Sign in to write a reviewDescriptions of physical bullying and animal-related peril.
The protagonist must use dark magic to protect herself, blurring lines of right and wrong.
The book deals with the traumatic execution of a parent and systemic bullying. The approach is direct and visceral, though set within a dark fantasy framework. The religious tone is secular but mimics a puritanical, cult-like society. The resolution is realistic and gritty, emphasizing survival over a simple happy ending.
A 10 to 12 year old who enjoys darker fairytales or horror and who identifies with being a 'black sheep.' It is perfect for a child who feels restricted by rules they find unjust.
Parents should be aware of the opening scene depicting an execution and some body-horror elements involving insects and magical corruption. It is best to read this alongside a child who is sensitive to scary imagery. A parent might choose this after seeing their child being ostracized by peers or if the child is questioning why 'good' people sometimes do 'bad' things.
Younger readers will focus on the 'creepy' factor and the magic, while older readers will better grasp the metaphors for social injustice and the corruption of power.
Unlike many 'magic school' fantasies, The Thickety treats magic as something dangerous, messy, and ethically complex rather than a simple gift.
In the village of De'Ath's Hollow, magic is strictly forbidden and punishable by death. Kara Westfall is a pariah because her mother was executed for witchcraft. While caring for her sickly younger brother, Taff, Kara is lured into the forbidden forest known as the Thickety. There, she discovers a sentient, magical grimoire that once belonged to her mother. As she begins to explore her own emerging magical abilities, she must navigate a community fueled by superstition and a dark power that seeks to corrupt her.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.