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scribblesbysammy 's review for:
The Grimoire Grammar School Parent Teacher Association
by Caitlin Rozakis
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
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
Vivian's daughter Aria was bitten by a werewolf, and now nothing is quite right. Vivian has left her job to support Aria's special needs and their family has moved to a new school district so Aria can, with a scholarship courtesy of the local werewolf pack, attend Grimoire Grammar School, alongside mages, other shifters, and assorted fantastical beings. In hopes of integrating with the other parents and bettering community ties, Vivian joins the Parent Advisor Council (because PTA is simply too common for president Cecily). But the problems just keep piling up, and with a looming prophecy threatening their safety and Aria's place at the only school that will take a shifter child with mundane parents, Vivian is struggling to keep the life they're building from collapsing around her.
Vivian's struggle to adapt is paired with constant stress that she is not doing this right. Her own fear of not doing enough continually butts against husband's Daniel's that she's doing too much. The positive inclusion of therapy following the bite (moderate violence described) and discussion of medication pairs with the perspective of a mother trying her best and continually certain it isn't enough. Discussion of mental health and the importance of support structures added another layer to the blending of mundane and magic. (Not a parent or US-based, so elements of childrearing and school politics will have been missed.)
Rozakis' worldblending in this urban fantasy channels the practicalities of modern living (where to park when going to shop for school supplies) against the mystical setting of Grimoire Grammar (how exactly do you wave the dagger to enter the secret street stocking those school supplies?). The juxtaposition of what is assumed knowledge, both in the narrative and of the reader, against what is explained as the plot continues toes the line, while continuing the theme of a protagonist blundering in without the background other characters have. Though sharing similarities with other popular magic school series (including a couple of allusions in the book), the distinct protagonist and fresh angle adds a perspective for those too old to attend but still able to be dragged into a new world, with all the associated complications.
Vivian's struggle to adapt is paired with constant stress that she is not doing this right. Her own fear of not doing enough continually butts against husband's Daniel's that she's doing too much. The positive inclusion of therapy following the bite (moderate violence described) and discussion of medication pairs with the perspective of a mother trying her best and continually certain it isn't enough. Discussion of mental health and the importance of support structures added another layer to the blending of mundane and magic. (Not a parent or US-based, so elements of childrearing and school politics will have been missed.)
Rozakis' worldblending in this urban fantasy channels the practicalities of modern living (where to park when going to shop for school supplies) against the mystical setting of Grimoire Grammar (how exactly do you wave the dagger to enter the secret street stocking those school supplies?). The juxtaposition of what is assumed knowledge, both in the narrative and of the reader, against what is explained as the plot continues toes the line, while continuing the theme of a protagonist blundering in without the background other characters have. Though sharing similarities with other popular magic school series (including a couple of allusions in the book), the distinct protagonist and fresh angle adds a perspective for those too old to attend but still able to be dragged into a new world, with all the associated complications.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Hate crime, Violence, Toxic friendship
Minor: Animal death, Racism