A Taste of Magic

By: J. Elle

Narrated by: Imani Parks

Length: 9 hrs and 43 mins

Publisher's summary

Bloomsbury presents A Taste of Magic by J. Elle, read by Imani Parks.

New York Times bestselling author J. Elle makes her middle grade debut in this magical new series about a Black girl who learns she's a witch and must save her inner-city magic school from closing, perfect for fans of Wendy Mass.

Kyana Turner has just found out the family secret—she’s a witch! This means lessons every Saturday at Park Row Magick Academy, the magic school hidden in the back of her local beauty shop. Learning spells, charms, and potion recipes, and getting a wand made to match her hair's curl pattern, Kyana feels like she's a part of something really special. The hardest part will be keeping her magic a secret from non-Magick folks, including her BFF, Nae.

But when the school loses funding, Kyana is determined not to let it close. She comes up with a plan to win a huge cash prize in a baking competition. After all, she’s learned how to make the best desserts from her memaw. But as Kyana struggles to keep up with magic and regular school, prepare for the competition and keep her magic secret, she wonders if it's possible to save her friendships, too. And what will she do when, in the first round of competition, a forbidden dollop of whisks into her cupcakes?

J. Elle combines the perfect balance of real-world issues, magical mishaps and a memorable voice to create real Black Girl Magic.

©2022 J. Elle (P)2022 Bloomsbury Publishing Plc

Critic reviews

"Delightful and charming, A Taste of Magic bursts with adventure, mischief, and so much heart. Readers will turn ravenous for all things magic and their opportunity to enroll in Park Row Magick Academy." (Dhonielle Clayton, New York Times bestselling author)

"A Taste of Magic is an enchanting adventure that will leave readers hungry for more." (Kwame Mbalia, #1 NYT bestselling author)

"Elle tackles weighty topics—including educational equity and dementia—with tenderness and thought... Positive female relationships and fantastical humor (particularly around animals) round out this warm food- and family-centered story." (Booklist)

Great mix of fantasy and culture

I like the way the author skillfully reflects reality through fantasy, keeping the story rooted but also imaginative.

Authentic baking

I liked the friendship storyline which resonated with our experiences, and, of course, the Black girl magic! So fun!

amazing boooook loved it

I loved it great book triple thumbs up👍👍👍🙂 I would like it if she made a 2nd one tooo!

Generational Collaboration

J. Elle took me back to my childhood and teenage days. My grandmother was the herbalist and my godmother the baker. This story is a reminder that younger generations need to know their familial history so they can understand who they are and to walk in their purpose that is divinely fashioned for them. The main character, Kyana is surrounded by a wealth of generational knowledge, her grandmother whose mental light is dimming. But she sees Kyana's bright light and guides her without telling her how to find her identity and voice. Kyana's mother is single but her eyes are watching her and of course her wisdom is there to give her the protection and discipline when needed. The author vividly depicts how and what preteens go through, i.e., friendship, boys, social status, with magic to boot😉 This book should be bought and given to all tweens and the mature generations to encourage generational collaboration. I hope this won't be the last of Park Row and Kyana!