Which Witch?

Like Roald Dahl, Eva Ibbotson writes books in which some really nasty things can happen, sometimes even to good people. In Which Witch? the orphan Terence has to witness some very black magic in order to help white witch Belladona.  The handsome wizard Arriman has announced a contest: he will marry the local witch with the most sinister spell.  Belladona, who can only create flowers and birds, wants nothing more than to marry the great wizard, but it seems hopeless even without some fierce and foul competition.  This book actually turned my stomach at one point, but it also made me laugh out loud, so I’ve read it over and over.

Author: Eva Ibbotson
Ages: 9 – 12
Main character(s): Boy and Girl
Part of a series: no
Where: England
When: present day

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Ruby Holler

Tiller and Sarey, a retired couple, wonder what they’ve gotten themselves into when they take Dallas and Florida, the 13-year-old “trouble twins” into their home.  After years of foster care, Dallas and Florida find it hard to believe that adults truly trust them, want to make them happy, and see mistakes as a way to learn.  Throughout the book, the two plan to run away, but some misadventures befall Tiller and Sarey and the twins keep postponing their escape. Have they found a place where they’re not just wanted but needed?

Author: Sharon Creech
Ages: 9 – 12
Main character(s):  Boy and Girl
Part of a series:  no
Where: US, maybe in the South
When: present day

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The Whizz Pop Chocolate Shop

Twins Oz and Lily inherit a chocolate shop, which is amazing, until they realize it also includes a talking cat who is an undercover spy (even more amazing, right?)  Lily, who battles dyslexia, has to work with a range of crazy magical creatures in order to save Oz, who gets kidnapped. 

Author: Kate Saunders
Ages: 9 – 12
Main character(s):  Boy and Girl
Part of a series: no
Where: England
When: present day

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The Sinister Sweetness Of Splendid Academy

It’s sad but true — unlimited candy in The Sinister Sweetness Of Splendid Academy is a very bad thing.  Take one gingerbread house and turn it into a school.  Take one witch and turn her into a teacher.  Take two kids, Lorelei and Andrew, who have to figure out that what seems like fabulous luck might actually be extreme danger!  Lorelei is already struggling with the death of her mom, so when Andrew disappears, will she be able to rise to the challenge of saving him?

Author: Nikki Loftin
Ages: 9 – 12
Main character(s):  Girl
Part of a series:  no
Where: US
When: present day

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The Secret Series

Cass, who is prepared for any disaster, and her friend Max-Ernest battle a club of villains dedicated to eternal life in this five-book series.  The third book, This Book Is Not Good For You, has chocolate as a key ingredient.  While you can read it by itself, I recommend you start with the first book in this exciting, fun series and save the chocolate book for the middle course.

Author: Pseudonymous Bosch
Ages: 9 – 12
Main character(s):  Boy and Girl
Part of a series: yes

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1. The Name of This Book is Secret
2. If You’re Reading This, It’s Too Late
3. This Book Is Not Good for You
4. This Isn’t What It Looks Like
5. You Have To Stop This