Gr 7 Up–Cam, a Scottish agender 18-year-old who uses she/her pronouns, navigates a confusing, expanding world when elements of magic and myth begin to slip into her everyday life. As she encounters folklore rooted in Gaelic tradition, Cam, who is autistic, must learn to interpret what is real, what is magical, and where she fits within both. Along the way, she forms a meaningful connection with Ezra, whose presence helps Cam face change with curiosity rather than fear. This novel excels as a character-driven story, offering thoughtful, respectful autism representation that avoids stereotypes or trauma-centric narratives; Cam’s internal logic, routines, and responses feel authentic and relatable, particularly for neurodivergent readers. Cam comes from a blended household: her father is in Texas, which she left after a traumatic school shooting to live with her moms and grandmother in Scotland. Race is not explicitly mentioned, but cultural diversity is meaningfully explored through Scottish identity, folklore, and the reclamation of Gaelic language. Ezra is a gentle, affirming love interest whose role emphasizes acceptance and growth rather than conflict. The romance will appeal to younger teens not quite ready for the steamy stuff.
VERDICT A strong addition to middle grade and YA collections, particularly for readers who enjoy magical realism and character-focused storytelling. Recommended for libraries seeking inclusive, thoughtful fantasy.
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