The Gingerbread Witch (The Gingerbread Witch #1)

After witch-hunting Wolves reduce her mentor to ash, a 12-year-old aspiring witch fashioned of enchanted gingerbread must find a way to restore things in an innovative “Hansel and Gretel” subversion from Overy (the These Feathered Flames series). To maintain the form given to her by Mother Agatha—as well as that of other confectionary creations, including Nuss, a squirrel made of mousse—Maud must retrieve the spell book of the First Witch, long hidden in ancient glade deep in the deadly Shadelands. Inadvertently joining a caravan of Wolves, including Hansel and Gretel, who claim responsibility for Agatha’s destruction, Maud must hide her true nature and her mission. As the journey takes them deeper into the Shadelands, she finds common ground with those who would destroy her, but newfound friendships may not be enough to overcome age-old enmity. Maud’s good nature and sense of loyalty makes her a memorable protagonist in this refreshing fairy tale twist that considers the witch’s point of view. Most characters read as white. Ages 8–12. Agent: Patrice Caldwell, New Leaf Literary & Media. (Sept.)