The Night School for Young Mystics: Five Fabulous Field Trips into Moonlight & Magic

by Maia Toll, Khoa Le (illustrator)

The magic of the Night now made thrilling for a middle-grade Learn the basics about magic, divination, spells, rituals, and more in this enchanting and practical guidebook for middle grade mystics by award-winning author Maia Toll. You, young Firefly, have been chosen to join into the Night School’s esteemed program for the study of mysticism. Your teacher, Bea Marlowe, will guide you as you embark on five eye-opening, educational, and enlightening field trips to better connect with the magic of your Night self. From astrology and divination to creating rituals and spellcasting, middle-grade readers interested in magic and mysticism will delve into the mystical depths of both the Universe and the You-niverse—the mysteries that exist outside oneself, and those they will discover in their very core. A very practical guide set within a creative fantasy school setting, young witches will learn the basics of a magical existence tfrom the author of The Night School and the Wild Wisdom series, Maia Toll. Including illustrations by Khoa Le, sidebars, and a glossary of unfamiliar terms, The Night School for Young Mystics promises to be a fantastical guidebook and a captivating read for middle graders interested in the world of magic and mysticism.

120 pages, Hardcover

Published August 6, 2024

About the author

Maia Toll is the award winning author of Letting Magic In, The Night School, and the Wild Wisdom Series (including The Illustrated Herbiary). After pursuing an undergraduate degree at the University of Michigan and a master’s at New York University, Maia apprenticed with a traditional healer in Ireland where she spent extensive time studying the growing cycles of plants, the alchemy of medicine making, and the psycho-spiritual aspects of healing. Maia maps new pathways for seeing our lives, inspiring those who encounter her work to live with more purpose, more intention, more meaning, and, maybe, even more magic. She is the co-owner of the retail store Herbiary, with locations in Philadelphia, PA and Asheville, NC where she lives with her partner, three ridiculously spoiled dogs, and her gorgeous rescue horse. You can find her online at maiatoll.com and writing on her Unkempt Substack at maiatoll.substack.com.

Reviews

[Juli Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gentle and whimsical, but full of useful skills! Definitely a bit on the abstract side--this could have used just a touch more real, physical engagement with the world in my opinion.

[Bianca Rose (Belladonnabooks) · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fabulous introduction for middle graders to the wonderful world of magic and witchcraft!

I love that this felt very unique. I haven’t read another educational book in this age range that is quite like it. Maia comes from many unexpected angles and leads the young reader on a journey of self discovery, wonder and enchantment in a form that is both easily digestible and pleasing to the eye.

Various aspects of magic and mysticism are explored such as the elements, intuition, ritual and spell casting. Maia begins with the foundations of living a more magical life and builds upon this to more practical exercises, encouraging readers to draw upon their own intuition. The entire book has a very magical school type feel.

Truly a treasured addition to the magical world of Maia Toll which will appeal to anyone who has ever wanted to look at the world through more magical eyes.

Many thanks to Running Press Kids for my gifted review copy.

[Cheryl]

Text not for me, of course. I checked it out for the illustrations, but the talents of Khoa Le were wasted in this, imo. Much more beautiful books are available.
January 2025

[Norah Leighton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reading with my son. Had a few interruptions but finished. Would be a better time to read in warmer weather.