Unfamiliar Magic
on Goodreads (236)
What’s inside...
Desi is a young witch whose mother prioritizes their safety and keeps their magical abilities hidden. When her mother leaves town mysteriously, Desi sees it as a chance to explore magic on her own, but she is left under the care of her pet cat turned teenage girl, Cat. Cat's main goals are to learn how to eat sushi, get the boy next door to pay for her sushi, and keep Desi out of trouble, which means no magic. This high-spirited fantasy follows their hilarious adventures and is perfect for cat lovers, siblings, and anyone seeking magic in everyday life.
Age
10-12
Length
368 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did the main character's journey make you feel, and why do you think that is?
What would you do if you were in the main character's shoes when faced with a tough decision?
Can you think of a time when you discovered something new about yourself, similar to how the characters in the book learn about their abilities?
What are the most important lessons that the characters learned, and how could those lessons be applied in your own life?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story. Use open-ended questions that allow for expansive answers. Validate their responses, showing that their opinions are valued. Draw parallels between the book and real-life situations to help them relate and understand the characters’ experiences better. Lastly, highlight the positive behaviors and growth of the characters to inspire similar values in your child.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of perseverance
Explanation: In 'Unfamiliar Magic,' the protagonist faces numerous challenges but continues to strive towards her goals, demonstrating resilience.
Real-World Application: Children learn that facing difficulties is a part of life, and persistence can lead to overcoming obstacles and achieving success.
Example Lesson: Value of friendship
Explanation: Throughout the story, the characters build strong bonds and support each other, highlighting the significance of friendship.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of building and maintaining relationships, and how cooperation and support can help overcome challenges.
Example Lesson: Embracing diversity
Explanation: The book features characters from various backgrounds, encouraging acceptance and understanding of different cultures and perspectives.
Real-World Application: Children are inspired to be open-minded and respectful towards others who may appear different from themselves, fostering inclusivity.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: The main character learns to take responsibility for her actions and decisions, which impact not just herself but also those around her.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to think about the consequences of their actions and to be more responsible in their daily activities and decisions.
Example Lesson: Courage to face the unknown
Explanation: The characters often venture into unfamiliar situations, showing courage and adaptability.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of stepping out of their comfort zones and embracing new experiences bravely.