THE WITCHING WIND, by Natalie Lloyd, Scholastic Press, Sept. 3, 2024, Hardcover, $17.99 (ages 8-12)
Two girls wonder if an unusual weather phenomenon has anything to do with the upheaval in their lives in The Witching Wind, by Natalie Lloyd.
Eleven-year-old Roxie was excited to start sixth grade… until a mortifying incident at a pool party turns her into a middle school laughingstock. Roxie can’t imagine enduring a full year of bullying and body shaming, so when her country music star Granny invites Roxie to join her on tour, she jumps at the chance to leave her troubles behind. But then Granny—who’s been struggling with memory loss—goes missing, leaving Roxie without an escape plan… and without her best friend.
Grayson doesn’t mind being sent to yet another foster home. Her older sister, Beanie, is about to turn eighteen, which means she’ll be able to become Grayson’s guardian. It won’t be long until they live in the same house again. It won’t be long until they get to be a real family. But when Beanie’s birthday finally arrives, she doesn’t show up to collect Grayson. She doesn’t respond to calls or texts. It’s almost like she’s just… vanished.
Roxie knows Granny would never leave without saying goodbye. And Grayson is certain Beanie would never abandon her. So, when the new friends learn about the Witching Wind that “steals” what people love most, Roxie and Grayson are certain they’ve discovered the truth. Granny and Beanie didn’t just disappear—they were taken. And it’s up to Roxie and Grayson to outwit the Witching Wind before it’s too late. —Synopsis provided by Scholastic Press
Author Natalie Lloyd (Hummingbird) is known for the magic she infuses into her stories — both in her writing and in the stories she weaves.
The Witching Wind is no different. A special kind of wind that takes things away, but also carries them back. It’s a great setup.
The wind itself almost becomes a character. But it’s Grayson and Roxie who steal the show. Told through alternating voices, you are given a front-row seat to their hopes, fears and even dreams.
While it might seem as if the Witching Wind is central to this story, it’s more the framework that carries Lloyd’s story of family and friendship and how those bonds motivate actions.
The Witching Wind is a fast-moving middle-grade read that will appeal to fans of magical realism.
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