Seven Salazar is a Witchling who is excited to be placed in a coven and come into her full powers during the approaching Black Moon Ceremony; so it's a devastating shock when the big day comes and Seven is instead made a "Spare" with two other girls. Determined to cast off this undesirable fate, the three girls undertake an impossible task so that they might become fully fledged witches in a coven of their own making--but they will have to work together if they are to succeed. Ortega (Ghost Squad, 2020) weaves a gorgeous tale of determination and magic in her sophomore novel. The story explores the importance of having understanding and supportive friends, especially while making personal discoveries and finding out what one is really made of. This touching tale blends fantastic and realistic moments to create a saga of sisterhood that will resonate with readers even as it charms. Pair this with Emma Steinkellner's The Okay Witch (2019) and Julie Abe's Eva Evergreen, Semi-Magical Witch (2020).

It's the night of the Black Moon Ceremony, when Witchlings in Ravenskill are assigned to their covens, and the one thing 12-year-old Seven Salazar hopes to avoid is being made a Spare Witch. When her fears unfortunately come to pass, she's faced with two other leftover and unlikely new companions--not to mention a challenge that might just prove deadly. Alongside the other Spares, anxious Thorn La Roux and bully Valley Pepperhorn, Seven must embark on a dangerous quest to find and kill the rumored child-eating Nightbeast. Through their adventures, however, Seven learns about a lot more than just the mystery of the Nightbeast: She comes to see people--including herself--differently. She peers beneath her first assumptions and stands up for others even when that's not easy. When she fears a friend is experiencing parental abuse, she brings her concerns to an adult she trusts even though she's frightened it will make her friend angry. The story balances serious social themes with lighthearted friendship hijinks, and the plot is fast-paced and full of gratifying twists. Ortega invites readers in, combining familiar fantasy furnishings with a low-key, modern-inflected tone. Seven is cued as Latine, and many of the spells she invokes on her journey ring with Spanish roots, offering Spanish speakers the joy of recognition and others the excitement of new-forged understanding. Thorn and Valley read as White. Energetic and intelligent; invites readers to question their assumptions and the status quo. (Fantasy. 8-12) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

During magical Ravenskill's Black Moon Ceremony, every 12-year-old Witchling is sorted into one of five powerful covens, except those designated as Spares, a sixth group treated as a servant class by the others. Much to her surprise, aspiring journalist Seven Salazar, who has brown skin and reads as Latinx, is designated a Spare, along with wealthy mean girl Valley Pepperhorn, who is white with rose-hued hair, and amiable pale-skinned newcomer Thorn La Roux. But when the new Spares face losing their magic completely, and becoming Forever Witchlings without powers, Seven invokes the little-used Clause of the Impossible Task. Now the trio has three weeks to locate and defeat the deadly, wolflike Nightbeast, or be permanently transformed into toads. As they combine their skills--Seven's botanical expertise, Valley's hunting knowledge, and Thorn's enchanted tailoring--and develop a bond of friendship and loyalty, the quest reveals more about the Spares, and the Nightbeast's predations. Centering three resourceful, sympathetic protagonists and considering issues of exploitation and privilege, Ortega's (Ghost Squad) lively sophomore release interweaves Spanish phrases, contemporary elements, and well-grounded magical worldbuilding. Ages 8--12. Agent: Suzie Townsend, New Leaf Literary. (Apr.)