A review by chucks_library
Like A Charm by Elle McNicoll

adventurous emotional informative inspiring relaxing 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? It's complicated

4.0

A magical realism story set in Edinburgh featuring a neuro-divergent main character. Ramya has dyspraxia and she can see past the 'glamour' that magical beings use to look like humans. We follow her adventures as she learns about the magical hidden folk and the sirens that are trying to hurt everyone. This book is an amazing example of why any age can read middle grade books. I loved how new this story felt, how the characters interacted with each other and the inclusion of different magical folk felt real. This was a joy to read and it was emotional. I think its important to highlight main characters that represent people who either don't get spoken about or cast off as side characters. Elle McNicoll does a tremendous job of including neuro-divergent characters without it being their whole personality. Ramya is confident, independent,  and sassy she just also happens to be dyspraxic. Her dyspraxia is part of her but she is soo much else too and you get to enjoy that all alongside a fantastic magical version of Edinburgh. I look forward to reading many more books by McNicoll and recommend this book to all.