Release: February 9th 2021
Format: Ebook
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Source: Amazon
Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, B&N, Kobo
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From the critically acclaimed author of Eventown comes a hopeful and empowering tale set in an enchanting world of magic and mysterious family secrets. It is perfect for fans of Anne Ursu, Rebecca Stead, and Wendy Mass.
Magic is like a dream. Delightful. Terrifying. Unreal.
Rose Alice Anders is Little Luck. Lucky to be a daughter into the Anders family. Lucky to be just as special and magical as the most revered man in town her father. The whole town has been waiting for Rose to turn twelve. Then she can join them in their annual capturing of magic on New Year’s Day and become the person to capture the magic jar.
But when that special day finally comes, Rose barely captures one tiny jar of magic. Now Rose’s dad won’t talk to her anymore and her friendships have gotten all twisted and wrong. So when Rose hears whispers that there are people who aren’t meant for magic at all, she begins to wonder if that’s who she belongs with.
Maybe if she’s away from all the magic, away from her dad telling her who she’s meant to be, who she has to be, Rose can begin to piece together what’s truly real in a world full of magic.
About the Author:
Corey Ann Haydu is the author of many critically acclaimed middle grade and young adult novels, including EVENTOWN, RULES FOR STEALING STARS, EVER CURSED, and OCD LOVE STORY. She is also the author of the HAND-ME-DOWN MAGIC chapter book series. Corey is a graduate of NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts and The New School’s Writing for Children MFA program, and has been working in children’s publishing since 2009.
In 2013, Corey was the choice as one of Publisher Weekly’s Flying Starts. Her books have been Amazon Book of the Month Selections, Junior Library Guild Selections, Indie Next Selections, and BCCB Blue Ribbon Selections. In 2020, she received an Edgar Award Nomination for her novel EVENTOWN.
Corey is also a proud faculty member of the Vermont College of Fine Arts’ MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults program. Corey lives in Brooklyn with her husband, her daughter, her dog, Oscar, and a wide variety of cheese.
One Jar of Magic Review:
When I started reading “One Jar of Magic,” I thought it would be a charming middle-grade novel about a girl not living to her father’s expectations. But the story was so much more! I did not expect this book to be an emotional roller-coaster that would touch on important issues.
I enjoyed the story as soon as I started reading it. Rose is a strong character and goes through many emotions. Even though the story revolves around magic, I could relate to Rose’s character. When a member of your family outshines in a particular field, they expect the same of you. The author realistically wrote Rose’s storyline. In the beginning, everyone expects her to be the best in capturing magic, but all she relies on is luck. However, as the story evolves, you start to realize how Rose realizes her value and ability without relying on magic.
Similarly, even the supporting characters add beautifully to the plot. I loved Rose’s relationship with Lyle and how he supports her. Ginger is excellent too, and I adored the memories she shared with Rose.
Moreover, the author also highlights the warning signs of domestic abuse, and I thought she portrayed it brilliantly. This topic is critical for readers to be aware of from a young age and ask for help if they see the signs. Some of the scenes are gut-wrenching to read because you only want the best for Rose and her mother. On a side note, I also appreciate the links she provides in the end for the contact points.
Overall, the story conveys a beautiful message that you can still be happy and be proud of yourself, even if you are not lucky.
