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Elliott is a young sorcerer with psychic powers, and his third-grade teacher, Mr. Moonbeam, helps him learn to control these abilities. Although Elliott has special powers, he and his teacher must keep them a secret because they live in a non-magical world. Their mission is to protect this world from any magical threats. Meanwhile, Sabrina is sent to the non-magical world because she is in danger. Noir, a dark sorcerer from Moonstone, wants to kidnap her and steal the Halloween Crystal. Fortunately, Sabrina is safe in the non-magical world, as Noir cannot physically enter this realm. Additionally, Mr. Moonbeam can provide her with protection. Sabrina is now in the same class as Elliott, but she struggles to adapt to her new environment. Despite Mr. Moonbeam's best efforts to safeguard her, Noir ultimately manages to kidnap Sabrina.
In his novel, Cowan explores the challenges of adapting to new environments. The author highlights the difficulty of adjusting, particularly through the metaphor of the magical world versus the non-magical world. Because the same rules do not apply in both realms, transitioning from one environment to another can be quite challenging. Readers are likely to resonate with these themes, especially if they have experienced living in an unfamiliar place. This is exemplified by the feelings of the witches in the book as they navigate life in a non-magical world. While the context may differ, readers can empathize with the characters' emotions. Each character has a unique voice that makes them stand out, and the dialogue effectively conveys their personalities. Additionally, readers will appreciate this book for its numerous twists and turns that keep them engaged.
RECOMMENDED by the US Review
The 2025 Eric Hoffer Book Award Legacy Fiction Category Winner