
Reach for this book when your middle schooler feels like an outsider, is being targeted by cliques, or is struggling to find the courage to stand up for others. It is a perfect fit for children who feel they do not fit the mold and are navigating the often cruel social hierarchies of junior high. The story follows Faye, a girl who embraces her 'witch' label to help a classmate deal with a sophisticated bullying campaign. Through its blend of mystery and fantasy, the book explores themes of justice, self-confidence, and the heavy emotional toll of isolation. Parents will appreciate how it validates the pain of being misunderstood while modeling how to reclaim one's own identity. It is age-appropriate for the 10 to 14 range, offering a realistic look at school dynamics with a touch of the supernatural that keeps the narrative engaging and empowering.
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Sign in to write a reviewStrong depictions of loneliness and the psychological impact of being shunned.
The book deals directly and secularly with bullying and social isolation. The approach is realistic: the bullies are not just 'mean,' they are calculating. The resolution is hopeful but grounded in the reality that social change takes work.
A 12-year-old who feels 'weird' or different and is tired of seeing the 'mean girls' or 'jocks' win. It is for the kid who needs to see that being an outsider can actually be a source of strength.
Read cold. Parents might want to discuss the scene where the 'witch' fees are explained to ensure the child understands Faye's business-like boundaries. A parent might see their child coming home silent, or perhaps they've seen a nasty thread on a social media app and realize their child has no one to sit with at lunch.
A 10-year-old will focus on the 'is she or isn't she' mystery of Faye's magic. A 14-year-old will resonate more deeply with the complex social politics and the digital aspects of the bullying.
Unlike many 'anti-bullying' books that feel preachy, this uses a cool, gothic aesthetic and a detective-noir structure to make standing up for yourself feel like a superpower.
Cody, a girl from a wealthy family, finds herself the target of a vicious social media and in-person bullying campaign led by the school's popular elite. Desperate, she turns to Faye, a girl who dresses in black and is rumored to be a witch. Faye 'charges' for her services, but her methods are more about investigative psychology and moral courage than spellcasting. Together, they uncover the truth behind the harassment, exposing the bullies and forming an unlikely bond.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.