The Charmed List

Former best friends Ellie and Jack reluctantly road-trip to a magic convention in Abe’s (Eva Evergreen, Semi-Magical Witch) lighthearted contemporary fantasy. Japanese American Ellie Kobata, a rising high school senior, has struggled to understand why her Japanese and Italian former best friend, Jack Yasuda, started pretending she didn’t exist back in seventh grade, despite their connection as two of the few magic-aware individuals in Palo Alto, Calif. Tired of feeling invisible, Ellie develops the Anti-Wallflower List, comprising 13 goals, which include crashing a wedding and getting revenge on Jack; Ellie plans to complete the list before starting senior year. But when the revenge plot goes wrong, Ellie and Jack are forced to travel together to the California Magical Retailers’ Convention to mind their families’ respective enchanted establishments. Despite their constant bickering, Ellie is shocked to realize that Jack is inadvertently helping her cross things off the list—including falling in love. While the magical system is only perfunctorily explored, its fantastical elements, such as whimsical secret cottages and enchanted tea, add nuance to an otherwise straightforward courtship. Equal parts road-trip romp and endearing second-chance romance, Abe’s rom-com is a sweet summer treat. Ages 13–up. Agent: Sarah Landis, Sterling Lord Literistic. (July)