In this provocative, eclectic collection, 16 tales explore the many facets of witchcraft and its practitioners. Settings range from the historical to the contemporary and from factual to outright fantastical; protagonists are culturally and ethnically diverse with substantial LGBTQ representation; and the major unifying theme is female empowerment. Standouts include Tehlor Kay Mejia’s “Starsong,” the tale of an astrologer who finds her match in a scientist, and Robin Talley’s “The Legend of Stone Mary,” in which the descendant of an unjustly murdered witch faces a lingering curse. Many feel like preambles to more expansive narratives, but as standalone pieces, they surely satisfy. Agent: Jim McCarthy, Dystel, Goderich & Bourret. Ages 12–up. (Aug.)
Reviewed on: 10/22/2018 Release date: 08/28/2018 Genre: Children's
Toil & Trouble: 16 Tales of Women and Witchcraft
