Common Sense Media Review
By Barbara Saunders
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Novice witch learns to control her magic in funny novel.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
When A TASTE OF MAGIC begins, 12-year-old Kyana learns that she's a witch. She will have to attend a mandatory magic academy for six months to learn to use her powers. In her magic training classes, learns some tricks she hopes can make life a little easier for her single mom, who works multiple jobs. Kyana also makes some new friends, but keeping the secret causes tension with her lifelong best friend, Nae.
Is It Any Good?
Fun and full of surprises, this book gives readers a bewitching experience. In A Taste of Magic by J. Elle (Wings of Ebony, Ashes of Gold), the author creates a fantasy world that's well grounded in the real-life middle school experience. It covers best-friend drama, learning to navigate middle school cliques, struggles with math, and a kid's first inkling of adult problems. A positive feature of this story is its empathy for everyone, including people who are struggling with life difficulties and those who start out as villains.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the theme of heritage in A Taste of Magic What's the most interesting part of your family's heritage? What would you like to learn more about?
How can empathy help you build good relationships? When was a time when understanding another person's feelings helped you handle a situation better?
Talk about the theme of regret in A Taste of Magic. Is there anything you regret doing -- or not doing? What did you learn from that experience? What might you choose to do differently in the future?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Fantasy
- Topics : Cooking , Fantasy ( Magic ) , Adventures , Friendship
- Character Strengths : Empathy , Humility , Self-control , Teamwork
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Bloomsbury
- Publication date : August 30, 2022
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 8 - 11
- Number of pages : 217
- Available on : Paperback, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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