How to Succeed in Witchcraft
on Goodreads (1,314)
What’s inside...
An overachieving teen witch, Shay Johnson, is a junior at T.K. Anderson Magical Magnet School and is competing for the Brockton Scholarship to secure her dream university admission. Her main competitor is Ana Alvarez, and to win, Shay needs to impress Mr. B, the drama teacher and head of the scholarship committee. Mr. B convinces Shay to star in the school's racially diverse musical, where she finds herself opposite Ana. As rehearsals progress, Shay realizes Ana might not be the enemy she once thought and could even become a friend—or something more. However, as Shay navigates her feelings, she also faces Mr. B's inappropriate behavior. Learning that others have suffered similarly, Shay must decide whether to speak out, risking her scholarship and future dreams. 'How to Succeed in Witchcraft' offers a mix of social commentary, high school drama, and magical romance in a contemporary YA fantasy setting.
Age
12-17
Length
416 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think about the main character's journey? How would you have reacted in their situations?
The book mixes magic with everyday challenges. Can you think of a situation where you could use a 'magical' approach to solve a problem?
How do the friendships in the story develop and why do you think they are important?
What lessons do you think the book is trying to teach about facing difficulties?
If you could create your own spell like in the book, what would it do and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to explore connections between the book's scenarios and their everyday life, intensifying the relevance of the book’s themes.
Discuss the ethical dilemmas presented in the book to ignite critical thinking and moral reasoning in your child.
Use the book's magical elements to spark creativity in your child, asking them to invent their own magical solutions or tools.
After reading, ask your child how the characters' experiences might influence their own choices and behaviors.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance in the face of adversity
Explanation: The protagonist faces numerous challenges but continues to strive towards her goals, demonstrating resilience.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to maintain their efforts and not be easily discouraged by difficulties in school or social situations.
Example Lesson: The importance of honesty
Explanation: Characters in the story learn valuable lessons when they choose truth over deceit, showing the positive outcomes of being honest.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to practice honesty in their interactions and understand its value in building trust and integrity.
Example Lesson: Valuing diversity and inclusivity
Explanation: The book showcases a variety of characters from different backgrounds, highlighting the strength found in diversity.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and embrace differences in their peers, fostering a more inclusive environment in their communities.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and collaboration
Explanation: Characters achieve more when they work together, emphasizing the benefits of collaboration and mutual support.
Real-World Application: This lesson can be applied in group activities at school, teaching children how working with others can lead to greater success.
Example Lesson: Courage to confront fears
Explanation: The protagonist overcomes personal fears to achieve her objectives, illustrating the importance of facing fears courageously.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to face their own fears, whether it’s trying new activities or standing up for themselves in challenging situations.