Root Magic by Eden Royce
This YA book was highly recommended to me by my friend Jamila.
Jamila has introduced me to SO MANY wonderful things in life–one of which was the works of Neil Gaiman, who quickly became one of my top 3 fave authors of ALL FREAKIN’ TIME.
Jamila has also imparted wisdom upon me in about every single important life topic there is—she literally has changed my life for the better with her knowledge, advice, encouragement, and friendship.
So when SHE tells me something is good, not only do I believe her, but I RUN to check it out ASAP!
(Except TV shows. I don’t watch a lot of TV. So if someone recommends a show to me–even fantastic humans like Jamila—they know it will probably take me six hundred forevers to get around to actually watching it 🤣 My bad. I’m working on that, yall.)
Here is the official summary of the book:
“It’s 1963, and things are changing for Jezebel Turner. Her beloved grandmother has just passed away. The local police deputy won’t stop harassing her family. With school integration arriving in South Carolina, Jez and her twin brother, Jay, are about to begin the school year with a bunch of new kids. But the biggest change comes when Jez and Jay turn 11 – and their uncle, Doc, tells them he’s going to train them in rootwork.
Jez and Jay have always been fascinated by the African American folk magic that has been the legacy of their family for generations – especially the curious potions and powders Doc and Gran would make for the people on their island. But Jez soon finds out that her family’s true power goes far beyond small charms and elixirs…and not a moment too soon. Because when evil both natural and supernatural comes to show itself in town, it’s going to take every bit of the magic she has inside her to see her through.”
This book is about magic, history and family traditions.
Reading it you learn so much about the Gullah/Geechee people and their unique heritage. The author wrote this book based on her own experiences growing up in this culture. Stories and knowledge that was passed down to her from her own family members served as her inspiration and guide as she wrote.
There is an author’s note at the very end of the book that explains why and how she wrote this book. The personal insight that provides is so very valuable and deepens the impactful meaning of the story even more. Don’t skip it. In fact, read it FIRST, before you even begin the story.
Yall know I love books about magic so very much….and I love books that are fiction but also raise my awareness and teach me new things about real life….this book had all of that.
Much of what you read in these pages are real life traditions, spiritual practices and root magic that has been passed down and treasured for many, many generations.
I was not very familiar with the Gullah/Geechee people and their history, so I was very intrigued to learn more.
I took some time to look up more information when I was done reading to continue to educate myself (yall know how I do)
Click on the official webpage of the Gullah/Geechee Nation below so you can also learn a bit:
This short video clip is also a heartbreaking look at how gentrification and tourism development is erasing vital pieces of their community and why it is so damaging:
This story tackles large scale community issues such as segregation and police brutality, and it also addresses individual issues that children go thru as they come of age such as changing bodies, fitting in and bullying.
The root magic the twins begin to learn can be used for many purposes, not all of which is fun like they expected.
A lot of what they need to learn has heavier purposes such as protection and healing from racial inequities and hatred.
While this book does have heavy issues and some dark magic moments, there are plenty of moments filled with humor, joy, love and hope as well.
The underlying connection for everything in this story is how deep love and connection go within a family and community. It is quite beautiful.
This author is known for her Southern Gothic short stories, but this is a YA book so nothing gets TOO scary.
BUT….
There ARE some creepy magical moments I did NOT enjoy: dolls that come to life AND creatures shedding skin that makes them look like humans. 😬
Most grown adults in their early 40s AND most children age 8 and up would probably not find this these parts the LEAST bit scary…. but yall *know* it don’t take much to scare me…I am 1000% a chicken thru and thru.
So those creeped me out a bit.
Not enough to not enjoy this story fully and completely though.
It was TREMENDOUS and I very highly recommend!
Entertaining and educating…two words I really appreciate when I’m reading a book of any kind.
Thanks again, J.
You always bring joy AND awareness to my life. ❤