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Cover of Don't Expect Magic

Don't Expect Magic

Kathy McCullough (2011)

SubgenreHigh Fantasy
Age groupYA 12-17
Content ratingPG
Pages (Standard (250-400))
SeriesDelaney Collins #1
Setting
CSM age12
Goodreads3.54
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Content levels

ViolenceMild
Sexual contentNone
LanguageNone

Trigger warnings

Death of ParentGriefAbandonment

Positive tags

Coming of AgeSelf-DiscoveryFound FamilyHeartwarming

Heroine archetypes

Coming-of-Age HeroineFish out of WaterOrphan

Protagonist archetypes

Coming-of-Age ProtagonistFish out of Water

Tropes

Coming of AgeFish out of WaterHidden IdentityUrban FantasyMentor FigureFound Family

Themes

Coming of AgeIdentityGriefFamilySelf-DiscoveryMagic and Responsibility

Synopsis

Upon her mother's death, fifteen-year-old Delaney Collins must move to California to live with a father she barely knows, and discovers not only that he is a fairy "godmother", but she may be one, as well.

Is Don't Expect Magic appropriate for my child?

Suitable for most readers 12 and up.

A light, contemporary fantasy about a grieving teen discovering magical heritage. Deals with parental death and adjustment to new family dynamics, but focuses on self-discovery and growth.

What to know going in

This book has mild violence, no sexual content, and clean language. Content notes include death of parent, grief, and abandonment.

Who'll love this

Teens will enjoy Delaney's discovery that she comes from a family of fairy godmothers and her journey to understand her new magical abilities.

Tags

Contemporary FantasyUrban FantasyMagical Realism