Published: 2022
Series: N/A
Author: Eden Royce
Illustrator: N/A
Genres: Middle Grade, Fantasy, Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical, Magic, Audiobook, Magical Realism, Childrens, Family
Audience (Grade Levels): Middle School; 5-6
Number of Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Goodreads Link: Root Magic
Triggers: Racism, Bullying, Death of Family Member
Review By: Jacqueline Wolken
Publisher’s Summary:
“A poignant, necessary entry into the children’s literary canon, Root Magic brings to life the history and culture of Gullah people while highlighting the timeless plight of Black Americans. Add in a fun, magical adventure and you get everything I want in a book!”–Justina Ireland, New York Times bestselling author of Dread Nation
Debut author Eden Royce arrives with a wondrous story of love, bravery, friendship, and family, filled to the brim with magic great and small.
It’s 1963, and things are changing for Jezebel Turner. Her beloved grandmother has just passed away. The local police deputy won’t stop harassing her family. With school integration arriving in South Carolina, Jez and her twin brother, Jay, are about to begin the school year with a bunch of new kids. But the biggest change comes when Jez and Jay turn eleven– and their uncle, Doc, tells them he’s going to train them in rootwork.
Jez and Jay have always been fascinated by the African American folk magic that has been the legacy of their family for generations–especially the curious potions and powders Doc and Gran would make for the people on their island. But Jez soon finds out that her family’s true power goes far beyond small charms and elixirs…and not a moment too soon. Because when evil both natural and supernatural comes to show itself in town, it’s going to take every bit of the magic she has inside her to see her through.
Review:
I love when I have the opportunity to read a book that takes me completely out of the culture and lifestyle with which I grew up and am familiar with. Even though the context of Root Magic is outside of my personal word, the characters deal with situations and emotions that are familiar and relatable. All of these elements will draw you in as soon as you start reading the story of Jezabel Turner, a young black girl growing up in South Carolina in the 1960’s. Not only does Eden Royce tell a story about Jezabel and her brother learning the magic of rootwork, but she creates a magical world through her storytelling.
Classroom & Curricular Connections:
- Social Studies & United States History: Set against the backdrop of 1963 South Carolina, this novel provides an immersive entry point for studying the Civil Rights Movement, the historical realities of school integration, and the racial harassment faced by Black communities during this era.
- English Language Arts (ELA): A magnificent text for analyzing historical fiction and magical realism genres. Teachers can utilize individual passages to study regional dialects, world-building techniques, atmospheric pacing, and character-driven motivations.
- Social-Emotional Learning (SEL): The narrative deeply explores navigating grief following the death of a family member, navigating major life transitions, dealing with bullying at school, and discovering personal bravery in the face of natural and supernatural obstacles.
- Extension Activity / Library Application:
- Gullah-Geechee Cultural Research Project: Librarians can pair this text with historical databases and nonfiction articles exploring Gullah culture, traditions, and geographic islands off the coast of South Carolina, expanding students’ understanding of the real heritage that inspired the book.
- Literature Circle or Middle Grade Book Club Choice: Thanks to its high-stakes mix of historical realities and supernatural adventure, this title serves as a fantastic selection for middle-grade literature circles, prompting deep discussions about family legacies, identity, and inner strength.
- Diversity & Representation: Root Magic provides an invaluable and authentic piece of OwnVoices literature that centers on the history, traditions, and rich folk magic of the Gullah Geechee people. By capturing the distinct, multi-generational heritage of African American rootwork alongside universal human emotions, Eden Royce delivers crucial representation that broadens readers’ global perspectives while showcasing a proud, resilient Black family navigating the 1960s American South.
Readalikes:
- Dread Nation by Justina Ireland
- The Jumbies by Tracey Baptiste
