The Equinox Test

Gr 3-7–Rose, Lavender (Lav), and Amethyst are fifth-year students at the Brooklyn School of Magic. Rose has been struggling with simple magic and may have to transfer to the nonmagical Rogers Middle School while her best friend, Amethyst, is top of the class. Lav wants to return to his little island off the coast of France, despite his family’s wish for him to have a better life. Each student is facing The Equinox Test, which they must pass to graduate to Middle Magic. A misunderstanding leads to a cheating scandal, and the best friends have a falling out. Mysterious and magical happenings abound, and the three friends must band together to help more than just the school. The magic is light and fun and not at all violent or sinister. The character development of the three students and their families will engage readers, who will identify with their relatable quandaries. Secondary characters enrich the story, including Principal Ivy, who wants the best for the school and students; Amethyst’s mom, whose job involves communicating with Merfolk; and Felix and Jax, the school’s security cats. Amethyst’s mom goes missing under a cloud of suspicion, setting up an adventure for the next volume.