Book details
To Come and Go Like Magic
Description
Twelve-year-old Chili Sue Mahoney has never been outside of her small Appalachian town. Momma says Mercy Hill, Kentucky, is her true home, but Chili longs to see the worldto have the freedom to leave and to explore.So when Miss Matlock is brought in as the 7th grade substitute teacher, Chili and her classmate Willie Bright are thrilled. Everyone knows Miss Matlock has traveled around the globe. Why shes come back to her childhood home after all this time is a mystery, but Chili and Willie are eager to befriend her despite the rumors. As the three spend time together, Chili learns about the jungles and deserts and cities of the world. But she also discovers that theres more to Mercy Hill than she thought: beauty, in the people and places shes known all her life, and secrets, sometimes where theyre least expected.Told in vignettes and set in 1970s Appalachia, To Come and Go Like Magic is a heartwarming and hopeful debut novel about family, friendship, and the meaning of home.From the Hardcover edition.
Age
10-12
Text complexity
intermediate
Length
273 pages
Why to read
- Cultural Insight: 'To Come and Go Like Magic' offers readers a glimpse into the life and culture of Appalachia in the 1970s, providing a rich and authentic perspective on a unique part of American history and society.
- Character Development: The protagonist, Chili Sue Mahoney, is a relatable and well-developed character whose dreams, struggles, and growth will resonate with readers, particularly those who are navigating their own coming-of-age journeys.
- Themes of Growth and Change: The book thoughtfully explores themes of personal growth, change, and the idea of home, encouraging readers to reflect on their own experiences with these universal concepts.
- Engaging Storytelling: Katie Pickard Fawcett's storytelling is engaging and evocative, drawing readers into the narrative with vivid descriptions, emotional depth, and a touch of magical realism that keeps the pages turning.