Common Sense Media Review
By Florencia Orlandoni
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Tween friendships tested in absorbing fantasy sequel.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
In THE GOLDEN FROG GAMES: WITCHLINGS, BOOK 2, 12-year-old Seven Salazar is working hard to become an uncle, a type of witch that can communicate with animals and is entrusted with the responsibility of keeping the animals of the Twelve Towns healthy and safe. Seven is excited and prepared to work hard to face the challenge of being an uncle, but there is a big problem: besides animals, she can also communicate with powerful forbidden beasts called monstruos. This leads her to believe there is something dark inside her that she must keep a secret. At the same time, the Twelve Towns are hosting the Golden Frog Games, a series of magical games and challenges designed to showcase the most talented witches and turn them into legends. Seven Salazar, Valley Pepperhorn, and Thorn Laroux are the center of attention for being young talented spares. When a hexer begins turning tournament participants to stone, the three spares become the main suspects of the crime. This makes them the target of violence and suspicion, which tears the three witches apart and threatens the existence of their coven. Can Seven stay focused on healing her friendships and save Thorn from the attacks of the secret hexer with the voice of the Nightbeast constantly invading her mind?
Is It Any Good?
This charming, magical tween novel focuses on the value of working hard to protect and develop our gifts and our relationships. The Golden Frog Games contains powerful lessons about stereotypes and captivates with a suspenseful mystery. The narrative is written in an approachable writing style that allows readers to focus and immerse themselves in the details of the magical world. Spanish words and references to Latino culture are sprinkled throughout, providing a unique space for readers to enjoy magic and mystery in a rich cultural context. While the main characters embark in the task of protecting their lives and their friendship, they also learn to face stereotypes about spares and monstruos. The beings they were taught to think of as violent and unworthy, monstruos, might actually be safe and even tender, raising questions about real world stereotypes and what can be done to fight them.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the stereotypes in The Golden Frog Games. Spares and monstruos are treated differently than everyone else. What are some stereotypes that some of the other characters believe about spares and monstruos? What are stereotypes that exist at your school? What can be done to fight them?
How do Seven and her friends show courage in this story? Where do you think they find their courage? When have you had to be brave?
The friends fight and make up in this story. What does that show about their friendship? How do they get through their disagreements? How do you handle conflict with your friends?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Fantasy
- Topics : Adventures , Fantasy ( Magic ) , Friendship
- Character Strengths : Courage , Self-control
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Scholastic Press
- Publication date : May 2, 2023
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 8 - 12
- Number of pages : 384
- Available on : Paperback, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : October 29, 2025
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