Common Sense Media Review
By Mary Eisenhart
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Mean girls, surprise reunions in magical middle school romp.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
Off to middle school at a secret magical academy, Heidi Heckelbeck is horrified to discover that she's been assigned the WORST BROOMMATE EVER! Yes, she'll be sharing her dorm room with the one person on the planet she can't stand, and it's mutual. Also, using magic is against the rules, phones are confiscated during the school week, and Heidi really misses her friends and family. Plus she's worried because everybody but her seems to know what their special gift is. But there's also a reunion with an old friend and a new cute guy in class, so that helps.
Is It Any Good?
Heidi Heckelbeck's funny, relatable adventures continue as the young witch-in-training heads to middle school at a cool magical academy, where some surprise reunions are more welcome than others. Fans of the earlier elementary-school books about Heidi will feel right at home with Worst Broommate Ever!, but there's enough explanation along the way that new readers will settle right in, too. Expect lots of classic middle-school issues -- rules! mean girls! fitting in! Wise adults are on hand to gently guide, foster appreciation, and distill life lessons. Wild typesetting and lots of lively illustrations make this an enticing option for new or reluctant readers.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about magical academies and why they seem to be such a popular setting for storytelling. How do you like Worst Broommmate Ever!'s take on the theme?
Have you ever had a roommate (including a family member)? How do you find ways to share space and get along?
Heidi's not allowed to tell anyone except other magical people that she has magical powers. How would you feel if there was something really important about you and you had to keep it a secret?
This story features a difficult relationship and rule-breaking. How do the characters show or develop empathy and self-control? Why are these important character strengths for young people to have?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Anna Abramskaya
- Genre : Friendship
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Friendship , School ( Middle School )
- Character Strengths : Empathy , Self-control
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Simon Spotlight
- Publication date : May 30, 2023
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 8 - 12
- Number of pages : 352
- Available on : Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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