Common Sense Media Review
By Barbara Saunders
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Girl discovers her magic and herself in charming novel.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
When BREE BOYD IS A LEGEND begins, 13-year-old Breonna ("Bree"), a Black girl living in Plainsboro, New Jersey, is under a lot of pressure. Her dad, a professor and political candidate, expects his daughters to display the height of excellence. At his encouragement, Bree sets aside her love for creative writing to focus on training to compete in a national spelling bee. But when she resets the fuse box after a storm, electricity shoots through her body. Soon after, she discovers she has the power of telekinesis, moving objects with her mind. But will the upheaval that having magical powers causes be a good or bad thing for Bree?
Is It Any Good?
This is a heartwarming story about the power of caring relationships. In Bree Boyd Is a Legend by Leah Johnson, loving sisters and patient friends help main character Bree move from a state of self-denial and isolation to knowing she is supported. She learns to trust herself and her people. Though set in the same world as Johnson's Ellie Engle Saves Herself, readers don't need to read the first book to fully appreciate this one. Strengths of this book include an uncommon focus on the sibling relationships and depiction of teens and young adults respectfully standing up to their parent.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the pressure of expectations. What steps can you take to find a balance between pursuing achievements and appreciating yourself for who you are? How can participating on a team help people gain perspective about their accomplishments?
Talk about the theme of self-control in Bree Boyd Is a Legend. If you could develop a supernatural power tomorrow, which one would you want? What would be your greatest temptation?
How does empathy, or the lack of empathy, affect the relationships between the characters in Bree Boyd Is a Legend?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Fantasy
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Family Stories ( Siblings ) , Friendship , School ( Middle School )
- Character Strengths : Empathy , Self-control , Teamwork
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Disney-Hyperion
- Publication date : March 5, 2025
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 8 - 12
- Number of pages : 256
- Available on : Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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