The Ink Witch

Gr 5-7–Starting with a delicious cackle, Cherrywell’s sophomore novel explores what it means to be a witch. Becca, a trans girl living with her single mom in coastal Washington, helps to run the little motel Mom manages. Their peaceful, yet boring, existence is rocked with the appearance of Mom’s estranged sister Malatrice, a powerful witch who puts Mom under a spell to obtain her signature for nefarious purposes. Becca must now travel with Mom’s tarantula familiar to gather the ingredients to break the spell, meeting mermaids, trolls, and unicorns along the way and leaping into unknown dangers in order to save her small family and new friends. Cherrywell pens a compelling and fast read that will immediately draw in middle grade readers. There is a clear villain, and chapter interludes convey Malatrice’s evil point of view. The action never wanes, and Becca encounters many twists, turns, and challenges on her quest. Themes include embracing who you truly are, discovering inner strength, accepting others who are different, and the true meaning of family. The magic in this world manifests itself through ink produced through the body, an interesting and fresh concept. Becca comes into her own magic alongside the onset of traditional puberty. Humor is infused throughout, so the story never gets too scary or dark. Becca reads as white, yet there is diversity in the minor characters and magical species.