EVANGELINE OF THE BAYOU

Take bits from the worlds of Harry Potter, Percy Jackson, and Nancy Drew, and set the story in New Orleans, and you’ve got this compelling tale of Evangeline.

Descended from a long line of haunt huntresses—women who aid people plagued by supernatural beings—Evangeline Clement will soon turn 13 and eagerly awaits the appearance of her animal familiar: confirmation of her destiny. Evangeline has lived with Gran, also a haunt huntress, since her mother was killed by a werewolflike rougarou when Evangeline was a tiny baby. Evangeline assists Gran with gathering herbs, mixing potions, and eradicating harmful supernatural creatures. On the current mission, Gran travels to the Midsomers’ home to save Mrs. Midsomer from transforming into a rougarou at the next full moon. Evangeline befriends Julian, the Midsomers’ son, who helps save his mother but who also exhibits characteristics that suggest he’s on the spectrum and that make him a difficult companion. Julian refuses to believe anything about why Gran and Evangeline have come…until he sees with his own eyes. Readers will enjoy learning about the magical creatures Evangeline encounters and will appreciate the challenge of foreseeing what Evangeline can’t. The closing glossary of haunts is amusing in its own right. The book adheres to the white default.

A worthwhile read about a strong girl who embraces the power of knowledge but also heeds Gran’s advice to “trust your gut.” (Supernatural mystery. 8-12)