
Reach for this book when your child is harboring the secret hope that they can somehow fix your separation or divorce through sheer will or a touch of magic. It is a comforting and surprisingly humorous story for children ages 8 to 12 who feel caught between two households and are struggling to accept a new family reality. Through the eyes of thirteen-year-old Petra, the narrative explores the heavy desire for reconciliation while maintaining a whimsical tone. By introducing Ruby, a department store employee who might just be a real witch, the book validates a child's magical thinking while gently guiding them toward the realization that some things are beyond their control. It is an excellent choice for parents looking to normalize the grief of a breakup while providing a lighthearted, urban fantasy escape that emphasizes sibling bonds and the importance of moving forward.
Frequent discussion of the pain and longing associated with parental separation.
The book deals directly with divorce and the emotional instability of a broken home. The approach is secular and realistic, despite the magical elements. The resolution is realistic and bittersweet: the parents do not reunite, but the children find a path toward acceptance and personal peace.
A 10-year-old who feels responsible for their parents' happiness or who is actively daydreaming about 'The Parent Trap' style reunions. It's perfect for a child who loves urban settings and the idea that magic is hidden in plain sight.
Read cold. The book is very accessible, though parents should be ready to discuss that 'magic' cannot change people's feelings, as this is the book's central hard lesson. A parent might choose this after hearing their child ask, 'If I'm really good this year, will Dad move back in?' or seeing a child struggle with psychosomatic symptoms of stress, like Thomas's hiccups.
Younger readers will focus on the 'is she or isn't she' mystery of Ruby's witchcraft. Older readers (11-12) will resonate more deeply with Petra's social embarrassment and the nuanced pain of seeing her parents as flawed individuals.
Unlike many 'divorce books' that are purely somber, this one uses the high-fashion, bustling backdrop of New York City and the fun trope of a 'modern witch' to make a difficult subject feel adventurous and magical.
Petra and her younger brother Thomas are dealing with the fallout of their parents' separation. Thomas has developed nervous hiccups that no doctor can cure, leading them to Ruby, a mysterious woman working at the Bloomingdale's perfume counter who claims to be a witch. After Ruby successfully 'cures' Thomas, Petra becomes obsessed with the idea that Ruby can use her powers to cast a spell that will make her parents fall in love again. The story follows Petra's attempts to recruit Ruby for this ultimate mission, only to discover the limits of magic and the reality of adult relationships.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
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