cover image The Extraordinary Secrets of April, May & June

The Extraordinary Secrets of April, May & June

Robin Benway, Razorbill, $16.99 (288p) ISBN 978-1-59514-286-3

In an uproarious novel that slots somewhere between Charmed and The Powerpuff Girls in terms of sibling dynamics, three sisters cope with their parents' divorce, a new school—and sudden magical powers that allow overserious April to see the future, surly May to disappear, and bubbly June to read minds. April urges them "to use these things for good, not evil," but their lives and relationships grow complicated when June uses her ability to gain popularity, and April, after a vague vision, convinces May to spy on June's first party. Benway (Audrey, Wait!) proves that her own extraordinary ability is her sense of humor; if secondary characters feel contrived to move the plot along, Benway otherwise executes her premise with panache, such as the way the sisters' powers pair with their personalities ("[N]ow that I could read minds? I'd be able to get an honest opinion about my entire wardrobe," thinks June). The sisters take turns narrating, and their distinct personalities and extremely funny, often barbed dialogue will keep readers laughing as each sibling learns to trust another amazing power: the strength of sisterhood. Ages 12–up. (Aug.)