The Ink Witch

Cherrywell (Unboxing Libby) weaves an emotionally rich tale of self-discovery and inner strength in this hilarious, heartfelt fantasy brimming with magic and memorable mythical creatures. White-cued, transgender 12-year-old Becca Slugg yearns for adventure beyond the Cape Disappointment Beach Inn, which she runs with her mother, whose tendency toward caution and routine frustrate the youth. But when Becca’s aunt Malatrice arrives and places Becca’s mom under a mind control spell as part of a scheme to assume dominance over the Slugg family, the tween learns that she’s descended from a clan of witches who cast spells using ink. To restore her mother’s agency, Becca must assemble other spell components, such as mermaid caviar and powdered troll tooth. Assisted by her mother’s talking tarantula familiar, and the troll who lives in the inn’s ice machine, Becca delves into a heretofore hidden supernatural world and discovers her family’s secret history on the road to facing Malatrice. Throughout, Becca draws parallels between her gender identity and the complexities of living as a witch in a society that often forces people to conceal innate parts of their existence, as her magical kin had done for years. This growing awareness—as well as the compassionate support she receives from her loved ones and her own self-assuredness—injects tenderness into a playful, satisfying adventure. Ages 8–12. Agent: Marie Lamba, Jennifer de Chiara Literary. (Sept.)