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A review by linesiunderline
A Dash of Trouble by Anna Meriano
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This series opener has a sparkly feeling to it - sweet and spicy sister relationships, family secrets, a few friendly ghosts, spells gone wrong, self-discovery, friendship, and all kinds of baking (including enchanted flying pig cookies!).
While magic lies at the centre of this story, I think it has very relatable elements. From the struggles Leo has with branching out of her social comfort zone, the tender and realistic family dynamic, to Leo’s longing to be given the same opportunities as her sisters, all of these issues offer points of connection to readers.
The writing style is quite straightforward, which I think will work well for middle grade readers. If you seek a more poetic quality, this book is not that kind of read. As someone who tends to like those lyrical reads, it pleased me nonetheless. I didn’t find the prose to be very complex, but there’s an energy to the writing and it’s very readable
I look forward to more time with this sweet family in future installments!
While magic lies at the centre of this story, I think it has very relatable elements. From the struggles Leo has with branching out of her social comfort zone, the tender and realistic family dynamic, to Leo’s longing to be given the same opportunities as her sisters, all of these issues offer points of connection to readers.
The writing style is quite straightforward, which I think will work well for middle grade readers. If you seek a more poetic quality, this book is not that kind of read. As someone who tends to like those lyrical reads, it pleased me nonetheless. I didn’t find the prose to be very complex, but there’s an energy to the writing and it’s very readable
I look forward to more time with this sweet family in future installments!
Content Warnings
Minor: Cancer, Death of parent, and Grief