About This Book
Reach for this book when your child feels like they have to hide their true self to fit in, or when they are struggling with the social pressures of a clique-heavy environment. Set in an alternate England where being a witch is a capital offense, the story follows a group of students at Larwood House who realize that one of them is secretly magical. As the school descends into a tense mystery, the narrative explores the deep-seated anxiety of being 'different' in a society that demands conformity. Diana Wynne Jones masterfully uses the metaphor of forbidden magic to address middle school social dynamics, bullying, and the fear of being outed for a perceived flaw. While the stakes are high, the tone is grounded in the relatable discomforts of school life: bad haircuts, unfair teachers, and the desperate need for a real friend. It is an excellent choice for 9 to 13 year olds who appreciate a smart, slightly dark fantasy that rewards close reading and empathetic thinking.
