Though debut author Eden Royce currently lives in the United Kingdom, it's clear she is still deeply rooted in the culture of the Gullah nation to which she belongs. Royce's previous short stories were informed by the traditions of these descendants of enslaved people living along the coast of Georgia and the Carolinas, and her first middle grade novel is also set in this evocative milieu.

Root Magic finds the South, as well as its main characters, twins Jezebel and Jay, on the verge of some big changes. Their beloved grandmother has just died, and they're about to turn 11. Their grandmother was a practitioner of what's known as root magic, a rich and complex set of spells and charms passed down through generations, and it's the twins' turn to begin learning from their uncle Doc the knowledge that has been such a source of strength for their family.

Recently, however, root magic has also been a source of stress. An increasingly aggressive police officer has been cracking down on its practitioners, and the new girls at school mock Jezebel for her family's practices. What's more, Jezebel and Jay are in different grades for the first time, and Jezebel fears they're starting to grow apart. And then there are the mysterious voices she hears calling her by the river . . .

Royce's storytelling is atmospheric and more than a little spooky, filled with haints and boo-hags, protection charms and curses. But the novel is also set during a specific historical period—the fall of 1963—and so these supernatural elements play out against an equally vivid backdrop of real historical events, including the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, police intimidation tactics and the integration of Charleston schools.

Root Magic successfully blends mystical elements with historical ones for a novel that explores Gullah culture as well as the social upheavals of the 1960s. Readers who are easily frightened might want to read with the lights on—but if they do, they'll discover a thoughtful story about a family taking on all obstacles, seen and unseen, together.

1960s South Carolina comes to life in this middle grade debut filled with magic and heart. Eleven-year-old twins Jezebel and Jay Turner have just lost their grandmother when an unexpected visit from a racist police deputy spurs their uncle, Doc, to begin teaching them how to engage with their heritage through root magic, which offers healing and protection. Jez must also contend with a new school year: she's been placed in the grade above Jay and must weather her classmates' taunts alone. It's only the presence of her doll, Dinah, who is more than she seems, and a strange new girl, Susie, that help Jez navigate the growing distance she feels with her brother and the otherworldly occurrences going on in the marsh behind their house. If Royce occasionally meanders, her depictions of the kids' daily life and inner strength more than makes up for it. Ages 8–12. Agent: Adriann Ranta Zurhellen, Foundry Literary + Media. (Jan.)

Gr 3 Up—Eleven-year-old Jezebel "Jez" Turner, who is Black, doesn't fit in. All she wants is a friend. While some people embrace the root magic her family specializes in, others look down on it. Following her grandmother's passing, Jez and her twin brother Jay get the opportunity to learn the root work that has been a part of their family for generations. These lessons and the protection they teach come just in time, as a racist deputy harasses their family and community and all kinds of evil come after them. It's up to Jez to take what she's learned and apply it in a way that allows her to remain true to herself. Though this seems like an overwhelming task, she luckily doesn't have to face it alone. From chapter one, this title immerses the reader in the Gullah Geechee culture of South Carolina, giving readers a look into their funeral rites, spiritual practices, root work, language, and food. Throughout her lessons, Jez proves to be a natural root worker, and though she recognizes the value in her culture's traditions, she also challenges these beliefs in order to decide for herself who her allies and enemies are. In Jez, readers will find a kindred spirit and will relate to her desire to protect her family and the people she cares about, even when it causes her to feel like she has an enormous weight on her shoulders. Readers, like Jez, will learn the importance of sharing that weight with the people who love them. VERDICT A fantastical tale brimming with family traditions, friendship, and #BlackGirlMagic that is sure to be an excellent addition to any library's middle grade collection.—Myiesha Speight, Towson Univ., Baltimore