This is why the “ kid who experiences a magical awakening” trope is the perfect allegory for this genre, they are a walking emotional contradiction. Yes, it’s a precarious time for youngsters who are going through acute cognitive and physical changes, as their bodies are stuck in the “in-between”, as in no longer kids, but not quite teens yet either. That’s the habitual part, beyond that, MG works best when fantasy meets reality, when ethereal worlds full of magic and wonder collide with the pressure-filled powder-keg of awkwardness that is middle school. These aren’t determinate of course, nothing is, but you get the general idea. Take MG for example, which is generally 30,000–50,000 words, rated “G” when it comes to content restrictions, appropriately aged protagonists (10-13), and a narrower mindset. There are of course mechanical aspects to writing, and those will change depending on your genre of choice. So, pat yourself on the back, treat yourself to something nice, take a bow, however you wish to celebrate, do so, you’ve earned it. With A Taste of Magic, you have produced not only a solid and entertaining MG reading experience, something you can add to your growing skillset, but you have proven that you are in fact, here to stay, and we’ll be reading your books for a long, long time.

So, let me speak directly to the author for just a moment… Knowing authors, I’m sure any doubt that indeed existed, was internalized, and she was the sole proprietor of this uncertainty. Elle, author of the excellent Wings of Ebony series, didn’t have the chops to write a Middle Grade (MG) series, or was a one and done. To the best of my knowledge there wasn’t anyone saying J. Will she be able to keep up her grades while preparing for the competition and without revealing her magic? What about when a taste of magic works its way into her cupcakes?

The only downside is having to keep her magic a secret from her BFF, Nae.īut when the magic school loses funding, the students must pay huge fees at the fancy school across town or lose their magic! Determined to help, Kyana enters a baking contest with a big cash prize. Twelve-year-old Kyana has just discovered she’s a witch! This means classes every Saturday at Park Row Magic Academy, a learning center hidden in the back of the local beauty shop, and Kyana can’t wait to learn spells to help out at home. Elle makes her Middle Grade debut with A Taste of Magic, a delightful new series about a girl who bakes up a plan to save her inner-city magic school.

A taste of magic j elle