THE MAGIC OF SOMEDAY SOON

Two girls take bold steps to make their wishes come true.

Zoe September has begun to feel the limitations of traveling with her mother, Morgan, an artist who works with upcycled materials. Her father died when Zoe was four, and she has no memories of him. Lately she’s begun to feel like a ghost who “barely [leaves] a trace” behind. In Maravel, Florida, Thadine “Teddy” Martin is a girl with big ideas and a fear of sinkholes. She wants to save Bobby and Rita—the last remaining metal sculptures from the theme park her great-grandparents created that was dedicated to prehistoric Florida flora and fauna. Pretending to be a city council member, Teddy emails Morgan an invitation to restore the figures. Maravel is where Zoe’s father grew up; desperately curious to see the place her mother avoids, she replies, impulsively accepting the commission on Morgan’s behalf. Lee seamlessly weaves light strands of fabulism into the threads of the story. Events that build Zoe and Teddy’s friendship seem tinged with magic, and it’s possible some of it emanates from the tea shop belonging to Dee September, the great-grandmother who only met Zoe as a baby. Her special teas evoke feelings, memories, and sensations. Sometimes the blends choose their own names, hinting at purpose and meaning. The chapters focus on Zoe and Teddy alternately, evoking sympathy and connection with each girl. The characters read white.

Strong, likable heroes, excellent pacing, and gentle humor.