Sage Blackwood

This book was a surprise to me -- I think because it felt very modern and accessible and relatable while being firmly and believably set in 1848 New York state. I loved how the friendship between Bridie and Rose plays out, the strength and eccentricities of the suffragettes, the kind presence of Frederick Douglass and his ever expanding household, and the tie-in to printing, too, of course. I very much liked that the author's note takes on the challenges of Elizabeth Cady Stanton (her later racist behavior) as well as celebrating her scientific mind. There's a ton of history in this book, and the author does a good job of balancing that with a respectful and modern critical eye. Topics include domestic violence, rights of women, slavery, Irish immigration and the potato famine, Black education, women scientists (both black and white) and early upstate New York history.

11 year old Bridie is placed out from the poorhouse when her mother dies. Her employers are abusive and she flees for her life, ending up with a new friend, Rose, who helps her find employment with Elizabeth Cady Stanton right before the first meeting to discuss women's rights.… (mais)

This review was originally posted at The Children's Book and Media Review

Jinx can do magic, but that doesn’t mean that he understands it. When he is being stalked by a werewolf with a notebook, learns that the trees of the Urwald are being cut down, and is unable to convince Revan why saving the trees is important (and the Urwald really is its own country), he knows that he has to do something to fix it. Simon sends him to Samara to study at the Temple. Magic is illegal in Samara, but Jinx hopes that he’ll be able to find the answers he needs to defeat the Bonemaster for good and bring the Urwald together. His discoveries lead to a confrontation with the Bonemaster, but Jinx also learns how to use his magic in a way that could change the Urwald forever.

The second book of the Jinx series, Jinx’s Magic continues a delightful series. The world is unique in fantasy, but not so unique that it feels foreign. The political system and challenges of the Urwald being recognized as a country and left alone by its neighbors is intriguing. Jinx is a strong character. His mistakes are believable, and his determination to succeed at what is important to him is admirable. His interaction with Simon will be familiar to growing teens in their relationships with parents when their opinions are different. The new characters are as fun as the characters introduced in the first book. Fans of the series will enjoy the second book and look forward to reading the third book, Jinx’s Fire.… (mais)