Description

Kirkus's Best Middle Grade Books of 2021 Pick

Magic is tough. Family is tougher. Boys are a complete mystery. Follow Lilla as she stumbles her way through each of them in Eleanor Crewes's uniquely illustrated debut middle-grade graphic novel.
 
Thirteen-year-old Lilla feels she is a bit different. She's quiet and shy and sometimes feels uncomfortable in the company of boys. She'd much rather spend time by herself drawing and daydreaming. This summer, while staying with her aunt in rural Italy, Lilla discovers a book of magic which reveals that she is a witch with special powers, the magic of 'Strega'.
 
But unbeknownst to her, an ancient witch, Stregamama, threatens to ruin more than just her summer. Lilla is soon faced with a choice that could change her life forever.

Praise

"Eleanor Crewes totally blew me away. The art is evocative and the story is authentic and hilarious. As a gay woman I'm constantly looking for content that feels true to my own experiences, that helps me understand myself more; in this book, I found that." —Tillie Walden, author of Spinning and On a Sunbeam
"This gentle yet somewhat spooky story deftly balances realistic plotlines of sisterhood, growing up, and sexual orientation with fantasy elements of magic and unusual creatures." —Kirkus, starred review
"The illustrations of this graphic novel are colorful, yet soft." —School Library Connection
"A recommended read for comics fans looking for LGBTQIA+ representation, and a solid additional purchase for libraries where spooky comics are popular." —School Library Journal
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