Julie Abe is the middle grade queen so I knew I had to read The Magic Library of Waterfall Way. This latest middle grade is a charming testament to belonging and working together. It’s just yet another middle grade gem to add to the collection! Keep reading this book review of The Magic Library of Waterfall Way for my full thoughts.
Summary
The Alterran Empire hasn’t had an Unremarkable born in centuries . . . until Lyra Hunt. All Lyra wants is a guild to call home—preferably one with a library full of storybooks—but because of her cursed fate, nearly everyone has rejected her.
Then Lyra stumbles upon the secretive Guild of Scholars in the cozy little village of Waterfall Way. With their tight-knit community and magical Library, this might finally be the perfect place for her. To be accepted, though, she must recover the Scholars’ crystal, the source of their magic that was lost in a terrifying fire. With the help of a mischievous new furry friend, Lyra will try to brave the Library’s cursed halls.
Lyra may have an Extremely Unremarkable past, but she’ll do whatever it takes to find a guild—and a home—where she belongs.
Review
(Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. This has not impacted my review which is unbiased and honest.)
The Magic Library of Waterfall Way is a charming middle grade about belonging. For anyone who has ever felt like they didn’t belong, The Magic Library of Waterfall Way is the perfect middle grade. Lyra is marked an unremarkable and has to convince a guild to take her in before she is exiled. I loved the idea of the guilds and the world building plus a tricky cat! The Magic Library of Waterfall Way reminds us that whenever we try to be someone else, live up to the image of someone else, we will never succeed. We can only ever be ourselves and know that we are all remarkable. The Magic Library of Waterfall Way explores the danger and history of the guild system as well as tell a story about found family and community.
My heart ached for Lyra and the ways she so desperately wants to belong. How she’s faced with exile and all alone, but also how The Magic Library of Waterfall Way brings her a sense of community and friendship. The people who chose to be with us, support us, even at the end. The immense power of community and second chances. The Magic Library of Waterfall Way is a precious middle grade that merely cements my love of Julie Abe’s stories! It’s a must read for middle grade readers who need a reminder to be exactly who they are.
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Find The Magic Library of Waterfall Way on Goodreads, Storygraph, Blackwells, & Libro. fm.