How To Succeed in Witchcraft by Aislinn Brophy
An overachieving teen witch vies for a prestigious scholarship at her elite high school in this contemporary YA fantasy for fans of Never Have I Ever and Sabrina the Teen Witch!
Magically brilliant, academically perfect, chronically overcommitted…
Shay Johnson has all the makings of a successful witch. Now that she’s a junior at T.K. Anderson Magical Magnet School, she’s one step closer to winning the full-ride Brockton Scholarship–her ticket into the university of her dreams. Her main competition? Ana freaking Alvarez. The key to victory? Impressing Mr. B, drama teacher and head of the scholarship committee.
When Mr. B persuades Shay to star in this year’s aggressively inclusive, racially diverse musical—at their not-quite-diverse school–she agrees, wearily, even though she’ll have to put up with Ana playing the other lead. But with rehearsals underway, Shay realizes Ana is…not the despicable witch she’d thought. Perhaps she could even be a friend–or more. And Shay could use someone in her corner once she finds herself on the receiving end of Mr. B’s unpleasant and unwanted attention. When Shay learns she’s not the first witch to experience his inappropriate behavior, she must decide if she’ll come forward. But how can she speak out when the scholarship–and her future–are on the line?
An unforgettable debut, How to Succeed in Witchcraft conjures up searing social commentary, delightfully awkward high school theater, and magical proclamations of love.
I really enjoyed this.
Shay is tying to get a scholarship that’s only awarded to one junior. It’s all that really matters to her and she runs herself down daily from everything she does. She’s a great potion maker and her magic level is the highest in her class. But Ana has a higher GPA. They both know it’s probably down to the two of them. Shay is pushed by Mr. B to join the school musical. She doesn’t want to, but he makes it seem like she won’t get the scholarship if she doesn’t. The scholarship is from his family. During the musical, Mr. B says little things here and there that sound racist. And he’s very touchy feely. The other kids don’t mind, so Shay thinks she might be overreacting because she doesn’t like to be touched much. The girls in her class are all in love with Mr. B and they are definitely jealous when he starts making Shay his favorite. Shay and Ana start talking more and Shay finds herself attracted to her nemesis. Things get harder as the musical practice continues until Shay finds out some really bad things about Mr. B. She has to decide if she could tell or be quiet to get her scholarship.
I enjoyed the magic in this and the three main characters. Shay’s best friend was pretty amazing and I wish there was more of her. This is definitely a serious book with the topic of inappropriate relationships, but it was also a fun read. Please be aware of the relationship issues and racism when picking this one up.
I gave this book 4 1/2 stars.
Have you read this? Is it on your TBR?
