Once a Witch

Reader: Sabrina K
Age: 15
Title: Once a Witch
Author: Carolyn MacCullough
Publisher: Clarion Books
Pub Date: September 2009
Galley: Yes
Nominate for Teens’ Top 10: No
Recommend: Yes
Convince us to read the book: This book shows that everything is not what it seems—that however something is presented on the outside is different in the inside.
Compelling Aspect of the Book: How well everything was described! I could vision everything—from the various places in New York to the wacky family members. It was great to read such a descriptive book! The author was always creative on her choices and never made the most "obvious" and "easy" way out. I loved the fact that this family doesn't have "powers" but "talents" - unlike most wizards/witch books- great idea!
Comments: I love how the plot was set. At first it seemed predictable and I loved how she did the "non obvious " way of this. Also, I haven't really read a book about witches/wizards in such a long time so that's great it's coming back.
Did the cover tempt you and/or reflect the contents of the book: The cover didn't tempt me to pick up the book. It does though reflect the contents of the book- having Tasmin (the main character) holding the family book that can tell the future in her hands. The book cover though does look like Tasmin is a bit studious—when in the book she really doesn't care academic wise, so that was a bit misleading at first.
Age Range: 12-13, 14-15, 16-17
Quality: 4Q Better than most
Popularity: 4P Broad general teen appeal