Author: Natalie Lloyd
Genre: magical realism
Age Range: middle grade
Similar book: Savvy by Ingrid Law
Summary (provided by publisher):Eleven-year-old Roxie was excited to start sixth grade... until a mortifying incident at a pool party turns her into a middle school laughingstock. Roxie can't imagine enduring a full year of bullying and body shaming, so when her country music star Granny invites Roxie to join her on tour, she jumps at the chance to leave her troubles behind. But then Granny--who's been struggling with memory loss--goes missing, leaving Roxie without an escape plan... and without her best friend.
Grayson doesn't mind being sent to yet another foster home. Her older sister, Beanie, is about to turn eighteen, which means she'll be able to become Grayson's guardian. It won't be long until they live in the same house again. It won't be long until they get to be a real family. But when Beanie's birthday finally arrives, she doesn't show up to collect Grayson. She doesn't respond to calls or texts. It's almost like she's just... vanished.
Roxie knows Granny would never leave without saying goodbye. And Grayson is certain Beanie would never abandon her. So when the new friends learn about the Witching Wind that "steals" what people love most, Roxie and Grayson are certain they've discovered the truth. Granny and Beanie didn't just disappear--they were taken. And it's up to Roxie and Grayson to outwit the Witching Wind before it's too late.
What I liked: The characters here are strong. Roxie is a fairly standard middle grade girl: once cheerful and believing in possibilities but now hurt and bewildered by the changes in her peers. Grayson is delightfully aggressive and grumpy. She's no Pollyanna, not a disabled kid who is simply too good. These are kids full of flaws and struggles that they are trying to muddle through on their own.
What I didn't like: At first I wasn't fond of the magical elements in the book. The titular wind felt a step too far. If it had been the sole focus of the book it may not have held much appeal. Since Lloyd instead makes the characters and their relationships the center and the wind only a tool for exploring larger themes I became more comfortable with those elements. It may still be a stretch for some but it's worth the effort.
Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley
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