A METHOD FOR MAGIC AND MISFORTUNE

A tween discovers the magic of conjuring and the power of community.

Twelve-year-old Marcus Pennrider is a Black boy from Grand Park, New York. His role model, and possibly even his “favorite person alive,” is local store owner and community leader Mr. O, who helped save Marcus and his little sister, Ariana, from their abusive widowed father. The siblings often took shelter in Mr. O’s Orisha Corner Store, and he even helped the kids’ aunt Donna gain custody. One day, Marcus unintentionally unleashes magical powers he didn’t realize he possessed, damaging the apartment. In his desperation, he confides in Mr. O, who informs Marcus that he has the gift of Divination—the ability to wield the powers of the gods. Mr. O takes Marcus on as an apprentice. Initially, Marcus finds purpose in his training, but it monopolizes his time and energy, straining his relationships with those who care about him. Can he find his own way and forge his own path to what really matters to him? Farmer’s strong character development and worldbuilding bolster this fantasy story that centers on a majority Black cast and feels firmly anchored in realistic concerns. First-person narrator Marcus is an appealing lead, and readers will become entwined in his journey of self-discovery. Even supporting characters prove to be interesting boons to the plot.

Has strong appeal for readers seeking magic-infused stories grounded in well-rounded characterization.