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Cover of Wise Child

Wise Child

Monica Furlong (1987)

SubgenreHigh Fantasy
Age groupMiddle Grade 8-12
Content ratingPG
Pages (Quick Read (<250))
SeriesWise Child #1
Setting
CSM age10
Goodreads4.23

Content levels

ViolenceMild
Sexual contentNone
LanguageNone

Trigger warnings

AbandonmentChild Abuse

Heroine archetypes

Coming-of-Age HeroineOrphan

Synopsis

In a remote Scottish village, nine-year-old Wise Child is taken in by Juniper, a healer and sorceress. Then Wise Child’s mother, Maeve, a black witch, reappears. In choosing between Maeve and Juniper, Wise Child discovers the extent of her supernatural powers—and her true loyalties.

Is Wise Child appropriate for my child?

Suitable for most readers 10 and up.

This thoughtful historical fantasy explores themes of choosing good over evil through a young girl's magical apprenticeship. Minimal violence; appropriate for mature middle-grade readers who enjoy character-driven fantasy.

What to know going in

This book has mild violence, no sexual content, and clean language. Content notes include child abuse and abandonment.

Who'll love this

A young girl discovers her magical powers while living with a kind healer, but must choose between light and dark magic when her wicked mother returns.

Tags

Historical FantasyCeltic MythologyWitchcraft