A Wilder Magic

A beautiful and lyrical stand-alone story, from the author of the highly-acclaimed The Wolf of Cape Fen, about a family with magic in their bonesHow far would you go to save your home? When Sybaline's enchanted valley in the Appalachian mountains is about to be flooded, she decides to stay. But will Sybaline's magic be powerful enough to stop the flood from destroying everything she loves?A Wilder Magic is the perfect...fantasy book for girls 9-12middle school chapter book for fans of the supernaturaltween book for girls age 9-12preteen gift for girlsFor generations, Sybaline Shaw's family has lived in an enchanted valley in the Appalachian Mountains, using their magic to help grow the land. But now the government has built a dam that will force the Shaws to relocate, and they're running out of time before their home will be flooded.Sybaline and her cousin Nettle can't imagine life without the valley and its magic, so they decide to stay. Using magic, they build an invisible wall around their home. As the water rises, they learn a terrible truth- the water will continue to rise, leaving them to live beneath the lake itself.There is also a consequence to using magic selfishly, one that might transform both her and Nettle forever. If she can't find a way to escape, Sybaline and the ones she loves could be trapped in the valley forever.

“"[Kids] expecting a big move may find comfort in Sybaline's eventual acceptance of her need to leave the valley." - The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books”

"Readers who enjoyed the Savvy series by Ingrid Law and Drizzle by Kathleen Van Cleve will love this little gem." - Rebecca Williams, Portland Book Review
"The relationship between magic, nature, and intent adds a thoughtful level of complexity and cost to this sophomore novel by Brandt....a poignant blend of loss and optimism as readers empathize with Sybaline's rebellion against inevitable change." - Publishers Weekly

Juliana Brandt is an author and kindergarten teacher with a passion for storytelling that guides her in both of her jobs. She lives in her childhood home of Minnesota, and her writing is heavily influenced by travels around the country and decade living in the South. When not working, she is usually exploring the great outdoors. She is the author of The Wolf of Cape Fen and A Wilder Magic. You can find her online at julianalbrandt.com

Age range 6 to 9 For generations, Sybaline's family has lived in a magical valley in the Appalachian mountains, helping the magic grow the land. But now the government has ordered them to relocate; their valley is needed to create a dam for electricity. In one week, their home will be flooded. Sybaline can't imagine life without her home and without magic, so she stays. Using her magic she builds a wall, and as water floods the valley, it ends up covering her house anyway, leaving her living beneath the lake itself. But there is a consequence to using magic in such a way, one that will transform both herself and the friends who end up trapped beneath the water with her. 'A highly readable look at family, home, and the importance of being true to oneself.' -- School Library Journal

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