Written by Laurel Snyder
I really enjoyed this story very much. The characters and their stories were unique and important to tell and incorporate into a story for young minds. It fills a need for different topics of diversity. First of all, the story centers on a girl who is part of a Jewish family and begins to take part in getting ready for a bat mitzvah that she isn’t even sure she’s ready for or wants in the first place. Especially since she considers herself a witch rather than Jewish. She has to deal with a lot of doubts and changes in her life, and even her best friend, while attending middle school. Instead of dealing with that she tries to work spells and accidentally summons up a young girl much like herself, but with wings. This novel does a great job weaving fantastical folklore elements and struggles of everyday life into a very heartfelt and engaging plotline. I highly recommend this book for young students going through difficult life changes and dealing with doubts about big life questions, as well as for those interested in Jewish lifestyles with an added sorcery flair.
Reviewed by Natalie Goodman, Librarian, Woodrow Wilson Elementary
Review shared in December 2023
Rating: ★★★★✩ (4 stars)
Interest Level: Grades 4-6
The Witch of Woodland
Written by Laurel Snyder
Walden Pond Press, an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers
290 pages
Release Date: May 16, 2023
ISBN: 9780062836656
A review copy was provided by the publisher.
