Ash Van Otterloo

This book! Tackles so much and yet is just a slowly unfolding story that makes sense as it goes along. I enjoyed being with Sparrow on their 5th grade journey -- from caring child of an anxious mom through a crisis, into discovering some things about identity, into creating boundaries about supporting a loved one with addiction. I loved the friendship dynamics, the drama and mistakes, the triumphs and the humor and the garden. It's a beautiful book.

This was pretty cute. Aside from the main storyline mentioned in the blurb was another about how magic was passed down through maternal lineage and what does that mean if you’re intersex.

Tyler wanted to be part of their little magical drama so bad. He was adorable.

I really enjoyed this book! The author provided plenty of warnings at the start, cautioning readers to prioritize their own mental health when reading, and so I was a little anxious that this was going to be a painful, gut-wrenching story, but there was a lot of warm fuzziness to be had in the way that Sparrow found comfort and support in their new community, of the sort that they had been lacking before. It was a pleasure to see them come into their own, with the symbolism (or was it...?) show more of the shadow coaxing them into truth, understanding, and acceptance of who they are. Aunt Mags, too, was a delight. Definitely a great book to recommend. show less