Poor Little Witch Girl

At age eleven, Verbena hasn't shown a single sign of talent for witchcraft. And worse than that--she wants to be normal . In fact, she even dreams of settling down someday and getting married! But with a mother who tells you that a) you're a witch and b) a husband won't be much use to you--how can anything feel normal? But there is hope in the form of a loving grandmother―also a witch―who takes Verbena under her wing and shows her that casting spells and causing supernatural things to take place―is not so bad after all. Told in alternating points of view, Poor Little Witch Girl is the funny, tender story of a mom who knows exactly what she wants her daughter to be, and a daughter who just wants to be herself. In the end, maybe the show more two aren't so different after all? show less

Verbena is an eleven year old girl, seemingly normal, but will soon learn that she is from a long line of witches. Every woman in her family is destined to become one, and Verbena refuses to have her destiny mapped out, without any choice on her part. Her mother, Ursula, expects great things from her, as her mother, Anastabotte, did of her. Under the wing of her grandmother, Verbena learns she cannot change her destiny, but can learn to control it. Choosing not her heritage, but the people she choose to trust with that knowledge.

Translated from a French novel, this lighthearted funny book takes a humorous look at what it means to have a mother (Ursula) who want one thing for you (namely to be a witch) when you (verbena) want to be somehting else (normal). With a little help from her Grandmother and new friend, maybe Verbena has a chance at getting what she wants after all.

Reviewed by Carrie Spellman for TeensReadToo.com

Verbena is a witch. Her mother has always told her so. It is passed down to the oldest daughter. As the only child of a witch, that makes Verbena one. Not that anything has happened to prove it yet, but it will. At least her mother hopes so. Ursula dreams of training her daughter, of how powerful they will be together. Unfortunately, Verbena has no interest in becoming a witch. Verbena wants to be normal, she wants to date boys, and get married, and not scare people away with spells and creepy things in cupboards. The more Ursula insists, the less interested Verbena is.

Anastabotte, Verbena's grandmother, is enlisted to change Verbena's mind. She takes Verbena to her house once a week for show more an entire day. Ursula thinks it's for training, Verbena thinks it's an escape from her mother, and Anastabotte wants the best for everyone. Until they meet up with Soufi, the boy Verbena has a crush on. Add in the first spell Verbena works, locating the father she's never met, and you've got a big magical mess.

The story is told in the first person, by each of the characters. They each get a few chapters to tell their side of the story, except Ursula who both opens and closes the book. Naturally the story overlaps a little, since everyone has their own take on the events that they were a part of. Quirky people in odd situations makes this book a good, quick read. show less

J'ai aimé ce livre. Il y avait quelques mots que je ne comprenais pas. C'était intéressant et peu ennuyeux. J'ai pas vraiment compris l'histoire parce que c'était dur à suivre. (Annabelle M.)

Non, je n'aime pas ce livre parce que tout le livre raconte les émotions de Verte. ce livre est très ennuyeux. Non, je ne le recommanderais à personne. (Rémi D.)