Our Crooked Hearts
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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 Our Crooked Hearts is a modern-day tale of witchcraft by Melissa Albert, author of The Hazel Wood. Seventeen-year-old Ivy meddles with the occult and endangers herself, her family, and friends. There's a dash of discreet romance and some kissing. Strong language is limited to "hell" and "damn." There's some underage drinking, and it's scary but not graphic in its depiction of the occult. Sensitive readers may not like the sacrifice of some rabbits.
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What's the Story?
As OUR CROOKED HEARTS opens, 17-year-old Ivy witnesses a near-collision between her boyfriend's car and a naked young woman in the middle of the road. This is but the first strange event of the summer, as Ivy's mother withdraws from the family, causing the girl to delve deeper into her parents' interest in magic. Soon Ivy is grappling with powerful spells that might be beyond her control, cast by a mysterious enemy.
Is It Any Good?
This modern-day tale of witchcraft casts a powerful narrative spell. Author Melissa Albert explores the mysteries of mother-daughter relationships with sensitivity and insight. Suspenseful, spooky, and well-plotted, Our Crooked Hearts has wide appeal for young horror fans.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the witches in Our Crooked Hearts. Does the story make witchcraft seem plausible?
Is keeping secrets dangerous? What kinds of situations can arise from telling lies?
What kinds of people are accused of being witches? How did witch trials develop in places like Salem, Massachusetts?
Book Details
- Author: Melissa Albert
- Genre: Fantasy
- Topics: Magic and Fantasy, Adventures, Friendship
- Character Strengths: Courage, Self-control, Teamwork
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Flatiron Books
- Publication date: June 28, 2022
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 14 - 18
- Number of pages: 352
- Available on: Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
- Award: Common Sense Selection
- Last updated: June 30, 2022
Our Editors Recommend
-
Tales from the Hinterland: The Hazel Wood, Book 3
Dark fairy tales feature young women in deadly jeopardy.
-
The Clackity
Spooky middle grade ghost-buster delivers haunting thrills.
-
The Book of Living Secrets
Spunky teen time travelers get lost in a good bad book.
For kids who love horror stories
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