What is the book you wish you had written? My next one! I’m quite slow, and miss all my deadlines. I probably turn all my editors’ hair white with how late my manuscripts are. I wish I was one of those writers who can bang out a first draft in four weeks. If I had written any of the books that are my favourites, they wouldn’t be the same. This story touches on some uncomfortable ideas – how to behave when you feel you are not the special one, what it feels like to unexpectedly be the villain of a story, how to deal with embarrassing family members – and shows how the three different sisters navigate these challenges. It’s a lovely rehearsal for some of the classic teen worries. A Pinch of Magic is a brilliantly crafted story from author Michelle Harrison, which we shared in our book club. The group really enjoyed the storytelling of Abi Elphinstone, Catherine Fisher, Katherine Rundell and Piers Torday, and if you like those authors, too, then you’ll be bowled over by this book. Sign in to see reasons why you may or may not like this based on your games, friends, and curators you follow. Under her mask, Betty gulped. She crossed her fingers within the folds of her cloak and fibbed. “Yes. We’ll stay by the green.”

Spider-Man meets Animorphs in this thrilling middle grade series from Lisa McMann, New York Times bestselling author of the Unwanteds series. The boat lurched again as a familiar figure loomed over the two girls. Betty gave a squeak of surprise as someone pushed their face to hers, almost nose to nose. She won’t,” said Betty. “Why do you think I chose tonight? Everyone’s going to be dressed up or wearing masks. It’s perfect! If no one knows it’s us, no one can rat on us to Granny.” I really enjoyed this book and I did not want to put it down. It was absolutely thrilling - I felt as though I was in the story going on the adventures with the three sisters. She called to Charlie, who had interrupted a domino game to proudly show off the gap where her front teeth had fallen out. Together, Betty and Charlie headed for the doors, weaving past tables of familiar faces that Betty knew as well as her own. They were almost at the door when Charlie’s foot tangled in Betty’s cloak and she tripped, bumping into a table where a sour-faced fellow named Fingerty sat alone. He made an unfriendly noise between a grunt and a growl, scowling as his drink slopped against the side of the glass.

This is a very well-written book, particularly the way in which Michelle Harrison describes the feelings and emotions of the three sisters - there is a fantastic atmosphere to the book. I haven’t read a book like it. What’s happening?” Charlie’s voice was high-pitched with fear. Her fingers dug into Betty’s arm painfully. Not at all predictable, the book is full of imagery and I love the way Michelle Harrison describes the feelings of Betty, Fliss and Charlie in great depth.

Oh my gosh! This book was absolutely amazing! I now have the rest of the series, and it's a super fun and interesting read...! :DSiblings can be annoying, a responsibility, and the best person to team up with – or all of those things at once! These thrilling books are all about brothers and sisters. If you hadn't been an author what would have been your dream job? Either a career as an illustrator, or perhaps something working with animals. Buy from our bookstore and 25% of the cover price will be given to a school of your choice to buy more books. *15% of eBooks. Home > Three determined sisters are forbidden to leave their home. The youngest, Charlie, is unpredictable, caring and kind. Betty, the middle sister, is adventurous and daring. Fliss is thoughtful and kind. Well, mind you are—remember what happened last year.” Granny’s voice softened. “There’s birthday cake for later.”

Loved by girls who want to adventure, light fantasy in a realistic setting – magical realism I suppose - healthy sibling rivalry, children as problem solvers and adults with feet of clay. Me: "Yeah let's prank him with magic! Make a bird shite on him, douse him in water, scare the life out of him!" Which of the three sisters, Fliss, Betty or Charlie, is most like you? Probably Charlie. I have a soft spot for animals and I’m usually thinking about my tummy, too! But there’s also a hint of Fliss. I’m a dreamer like her, and not very brave. I don’t have much in common with Betty except perhaps her nose for a mystery to be solved. Fliss shook her head, her dark, glossy hair swishing over her shoulders. There was a faint smear of green on her perfect upturned nose, from when she had painted Charlie’s face earlier. “I’m too old for all that. Besides, I’m needed here.”

Pupil reviews

Betty glared at the prison. He should have thought of that before he got himself arrested. She gave the prison a last scowl before looking away, determined not to let her father ruin tonight like he ruined everything else. They reached the ferry, running the last few steps. Evidently, the fog warning hadn’t changed for the worse, as the ferry­man appeared unconcerned about the wispy mist that was wreathing around the boat. Already onboard was a group of costumed people who also appeared to be heading for the Halloween Fayre. Betty paid her own and Charlie’s fares, then squeezed onto the narrow seat next to Charlie. Michelle Harrison's magical fantasy series has been enthralling middle grade readers since the first adventure, A Pinch of Magic was published in 2019. In a modern fairy tale of witches, sorcery and exciting escapades, the Widdershins sisters use their cunning and magic in a good v evil adventure. Stories guaranteed to keep them reading after lights out. Q. If you could meet any historical character, who would it be and what would you say to him or her? Fliss’s expression was unreadable as she gazed past Betty to the window. “It’s best you stay close, anyway. It’s looking a bit foggy out there. Taking a ferry over the marshes could be dangerous.” She turned away to serve as a hoity-toity regular named Queenie rapped on the counter impatiently. We’re off now, Granny,” she said, thankful her face was hidden. She had been planning this evening for weeks, feeling only excitement, but now that it had come to carrying it out, she couldn’t quite believe her own disobedience. She hoped her grandmother would put the tremor in her voice down to excitement, and not to the nerves that were buzzing inside her like marsh midges.