UNSEEN MAGIC

A tween accidentally unleashes a monster made of tea.

After constantly relocating, Finley Barnes and her mother stay awhile with Fin’s aunt and cousin, Eddie, in Aldermere. Tourists may clamor for hikes or seek cryptids around the Northern California town, but only the locals know about the real magic—including the vanishing tea shop. For the price of a whispered memory immediately forgotten, the shop’s tea temporarily changes people. Fin exchanges her memories to ease her debilitating anxiety, but when misfortune befalls its owner, the tea shop abruptly closes. The tea’s addictive reprieve from mental anguish motivates Fin to mess with magic and brew it herself. Unfortunately, a misstep in the process brings the tea leaves to life, and they morph into Fin’s likeness. Can Fin and Eddie stop Teafin before it’s too late? Lloyd-Jones’ middle-grade debut blends memorable characters, rich descriptions, and a dash of magical mischief to create an original tale. Firmly grounded by Fin’s third-person point of view and a strong sense of place, the tight narrative luxuriates in its slow revelation of the central mysteries. Layered, sophisticated storytelling plants clues for careful readers and gives heart-wrenching depth to characters’ trauma and resilience. Most characters default to White; names and passing references cue some diversity in ethnicity and family structure. The ending hints at a possible sequel.

A deliciously atmospheric, full-bodied magical brew.