How to Succeed in Witchcraft
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this book.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Aislinn Brophy's How to Succeed in Witchcraft is a modern-day fantasy about a high school junior vying for a college scholarship. It's set pretty much in the world we live in now, except there are flying cars and magic. The main theme involves a teacher in an inappropriate relationship with a student who also coerces, threatens, and harasses another student. Strong language includes "f--k" and "s--t." Physical violence involves using magical powers to restrain someone and attack them with fire and electricity. There are a few kisses and some romantic dynamics. Racial equity in education is a prominent theme, and there are a lot of examples of racism in the form of micro aggression and bias.
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What's the Story?
High-school junior Shay knows HOW TO SUCCEED IN WITCHCRAFT, and that's by winning the intense competition for the coveted full-ride scholarship to the top magical university, Willington. When Mr. B, the scholarship committee chair and school's drama teacher, tells Shay it would be very good for her scholarship application if she auditioned for the school play, Shay reluctantly agrees hoping for an inconspicuous spot in the chorus. But she ends up landing one of the two female leads, along with her archrival for the scholarship, Ana. As rehearsals for the play intensify, so does unwanted attention from Mr. B. Reporting her experience will no doubt cost her any chance at the scholarship, so she'll have to decide between going along to get along and destroying everything she and her family have worked so hard for.
Is It Any Good?
This solid first novel has a lot going for it that teens will relate to, even teens who aren't all that into magical fantasy. How to Succeed in Witchcraft feels solidly rooted in the present day, with splashes of magic throughout to add flair and intrigue. It's brimming with positive representations of people of color and same-sex romance, but doesn't shy away from issues like racism, micro aggression, bias, equal access to education, and parallels to the #MeToo movement.
Narrator Shay's voice is believable and relatable, and teens of all backgrounds will find a lot of her experiences easy to relate to, like intense pressure to get into college; juggling work, school, friendships, and romance; and figuring out how, or whether, to pick your battles. And the intensity is well balanced with funny banter and colorful supporting characters. Some strong language and mature handling of complicated topics make it best for teens and up.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Shay as a role model in How to Succeed in Witchcraft. What are her character strengths and weaknesses?
Have you or has someone you know ever been in a situation like Shay was with Mr. B or another trusted mentor? What happened? How would you handle a similar situation? Where can you go for help?
How does the story show that access to education is more difficult for people of color like Shay, Ana, and Lex? What are some of your ideas for making sure everyone has equal access to equal education?
Book Details
- Author: Aislinn Brophy
- Genre: Fantasy
- Topics: Magic and Fantasy, Arts and Dance, Friendship, Great Girl Role Models, High School
- Character Strengths: Empathy, Integrity, Perseverance
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: G.P. Putnam's Sons
- Publication date: September 27, 2022
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 12 - 17
- Number of pages: 416
- Available on: Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
- Last updated: December 13, 2022
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