Spells for Lost Things by Jenna Evans Welch

Willow never feels like she belongs. After graduation she hopes to travel the world and hopefully find her place in it. Mason doesn’t have a home. Placed in foster care when his mom can no longer take care of him, Mason longs only to be reunited with her. Strange circumstances bring them together in Salem, Massachusetts where Mason helps Willow learn the story behind the aunt she never knew she had. Their friendship grows, but will Mason give it all up to find his mother?

Spells for Lost Things is a light romance on the surface with a hint of magic. However, the deeper story deals with family relationships and the pain of neglect or betrayal. Willow and Mason are relatable characters who help each other through the tough parts of family life. An entertaining read for all of us who struggle to fit in.

Recommended ages–12-18 years old

The Ogress and the Orphans by Kelly Barnhill

Stone-in-the-Glen was once a perfect town, until the Library burned. After fires and other loss, the people have also forgotten how to be neighborly. No one stops to talk. No one helps each other, but everyone believes the Mayor who claims to have the solution to everything. On the edge of town lives a kindly Ogress. She keeps to herself and at night, she quietly delivers gifts to the townspeople. When more trouble comes, people point fingers at the Ogress. Only the children of Orphan House know the people are wrong. Can they save the Ogress and Stone-in-the-Glen?

This delightful fable teaches a variety of lessons through a thoughtfully written story. The story is simple enough for young readers, but the morals are appropriate for all ages. At a time when the world seems dark and unneighborly, The Ogress and the Orphans is a bright light reminding us all about the power of kindness. I highly recommend this as a family read.

An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir

In the Empire, the Scholars live in fear while the Martials hold all the power. Laia is a Scholar who tries to stay invisible, but when her brother is arrested for treason and the rest of her family killed, she finds herself on the run. She begs the Resistance to save her brother and they agree to help only if Laia will spy within the Empire’s military academy. In the academy, Laia meets Elias. He is the academy’s most promising soldier, but all he wants is to be free. As events unfold, Laia and Elias will find that their individual freedom is tied to each other.

A dark, exciting fantasy, An Ember in the Ashes provides strong character and world building. Although they are very different, Elias and Laia are both sympathetic characters that will keep readers intrigued. The presence of magic is minimal, but the story promises more to come. It provides a good crossover for fans of the Hunger Games and Harry Potter.

Recommended ages–13 and up