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Smoke & Mirrors
Grace McKellon isn't a 'people person'. All she needs is her magic tricks and her wise-cracking grandmother - until a new friend comes along and promises to make her a social media star. A wonderful and intriguing middle fiction novel from an internationally acclaimed, bestselling Australian author.
I don't know about love. I suspect the emotion that others apparently feel all the time is just . . . absent from me. Like there's an ingredient missing from the recipe. The possible exception is Gran.
Grace cares about only two things: performing magic and her cantankerous gran. Gran shares her prickly personality and spiky sense of humour, and she's the only one Grace lets into her tightly locked heart – until she meets Simon, a schoolmate who promises to help her turn her magic tricks into a small business and social media stardom.
When Gran is diagnosed with a terminal illness, Grace moves in to become her primary carer. With the help of Simon and some sleight of hand, Grace is determined to bring joy back into their lives. And when she confronts her worst fear, she realises maybe her heart doesn't need to stay locked away after all.
A funny, compelling and fresh story from the author of the bestselling books My Life As An Alphabet and A Song Only I Can Hear.
I don't know about love. I suspect the emotion that others apparently feel all the time is just . . . absent from me. Like there's an ingredient missing from the recipe. The possible exception is Gran.
Grace cares about only two things: performing magic and her cantankerous gran. Gran shares her prickly personality and spiky sense of humour, and she's the only one Grace lets into her tightly locked heart – until she meets Simon, a schoolmate who promises to help her turn her magic tricks into a small business and social media stardom.
When Gran is diagnosed with a terminal illness, Grace moves in to become her primary carer. With the help of Simon and some sleight of hand, Grace is determined to bring joy back into their lives. And when she confronts her worst fear, she realises maybe her heart doesn't need to stay locked away after all.
A funny, compelling and fresh story from the author of the bestselling books My Life As An Alphabet and A Song Only I Can Hear.
272 pages, Paperback
First published January 30, 2024
2 people are currently reading
55 people want to read
About the author
Barry Jonsberg
48 books105 followersBarry Jonsberg is an Australian author and teacher originally from Liverpool, England. He holds degrees in English and Psychology from Liverpool University and moved to Australia in 1999. His debut novel, The Whole Business with Kiffo and the Pitbull, earned acclaim in 2005, and his follow-up, It’s Not All About YOU, Calma, won the 2006 South Australian Festival Award for Children’s Literature. Jonsberg has continued to receive numerous honors, including awards and shortlistings for Dreamrider, My Life as an Alphabet, A Little Spark, and Smoke & Mirrors, affirming his place in contemporary young adult literature.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
February 2, 2024
Find more reviews at: https://littlesquirrelsbookshelf.blog...
Barry Jonsberg writes heartfelt stories that cut to the core of serious issues and Smoke & Mirrors is no exception. With themes of fractured families, alcoholism, cancer and voluntary assisted dying Smoke & Mirrors could be a sombre read but Jonsberg adds humour to lighten the story.
Grace cares about two things, magic and her grandmother. They share a sharp sense of humour and Gran can give back as much as Grace dishes out.
Grace doesn't trust anyone and when Simon offers to help her become a social media star and earn money from her magic act she doesn't trust him either but is prepared to take his help, at arm's length.
Smoke & Mirrors is a heartfelt story about a teen trying to find her place in the world. Grace's family have suffered a tragedy and instead of helping each other they have each turned inward blocking their loved ones out.
When Gran is diagnosed with a terminal illness Grace volunteers to be her carer.
Reading Smoke & Mirrors as an adult I found the story heartbreaking, however I feel the targeted age group would connect more with the magic, how amazing and determined Grace is and how restorative her friendship with Simon is.
I loved the way Jonsberg revealed the twists subtly, a few words spoken, easily missed.
The publisher's age range is 10 - 14 years. I might be a little cautious but with the topics explored I have recommended an age range of 12 -16 years.
Barry Jonsberg writes heartfelt stories that cut to the core of serious issues and Smoke & Mirrors is no exception. With themes of fractured families, alcoholism, cancer and voluntary assisted dying Smoke & Mirrors could be a sombre read but Jonsberg adds humour to lighten the story.
Grace cares about two things, magic and her grandmother. They share a sharp sense of humour and Gran can give back as much as Grace dishes out.
Grace doesn't trust anyone and when Simon offers to help her become a social media star and earn money from her magic act she doesn't trust him either but is prepared to take his help, at arm's length.
Smoke & Mirrors is a heartfelt story about a teen trying to find her place in the world. Grace's family have suffered a tragedy and instead of helping each other they have each turned inward blocking their loved ones out.
When Gran is diagnosed with a terminal illness Grace volunteers to be her carer.
Reading Smoke & Mirrors as an adult I found the story heartbreaking, however I feel the targeted age group would connect more with the magic, how amazing and determined Grace is and how restorative her friendship with Simon is.
I loved the way Jonsberg revealed the twists subtly, a few words spoken, easily missed.
The publisher's age range is 10 - 14 years. I might be a little cautious but with the topics explored I have recommended an age range of 12 -16 years.
April 14, 2024
this was good but i think it would only relate to my aussie girlies coz the humour is so niche lol
April 3, 2024
Grace loves doing magic. Ever since her Uncle showed her some magic tricks when she was younger, she's spent all of her spare time practicing her magic skills. It has helped her take her mind off things. Like her mother who hits the bottle more and more, and the reason for her drinking.
When Grace was six she was in an accident that claimed the lives of two close family members. She goes to therapy, does okay at school and gets on with life, but she knows there seems to be something missing within her.
"I don't know about love. I mean I know the word and what it signifies, but I don't understand the emotion itself. I think about my family and I try to understand how I feel about them: Mum, Gran, Jake and Uncle Mike. I should feel love, that's what's generally agreed, but I can't kid myself that I do."
This missing emotion also distances her from her classmates, and Grace has no friends inside or outside of school. So when a senior student called Simon asks her if she'd like to go into business with him, she wonders why.
He's seen how good she is at magic. If she does her magic and he promotes her on social media, they can split the proceeds. Grace doesn't care about the money, but now she loves performing magic, and seeing people's faces light up with wonder at her tricks.
There is one person Grace is particularly close to - her dad's mum. She is crotchety, argumentative, and sometimes hurtful, but she is also whip-smart, sharp tongued and funny. They get on incredibly well, giving each other as good as they get.
When Gran gets some upsetting health news, Grace doesn't hesitate to be her main carer. Gran is as difficult as ever, but they grow even closer while others help when they can. This time spent together reveals some truths about their family, the accident and a blanket of guilt they have all worn over the years.
Grace's magic weaves throughout her Gran's illness, her mother's alcoholism and her own journey to find what she's lost. With practice she finally faces her fears, and finds a way to help Gran deal with what she is facing.
Smoke & Mirrors made me laugh out loud, grit my teeth and cross my fingers in hope for the characters. As always Barry Jonsberg left me feeling all the more enriched for reading another of his novels.
Main characters Grace and her Gran spark off each other in this novel, but their special relationship changes and deepens through Gran's terminal illness. There are unanswered questions deep in Grace's past after a terrible accident, but these are slowly revealed through the women around her.
Magic is a key component, and many tricks are portrayed as Grace performs them, but the 'magic' of just how she does them is not revealed. Magicians in history are explored as Grace lives and breathes this craft, and spends many hours perfecting it.
Grace is an enigma to many around her, as she doesn't reveal much emotion, fit in with her classmates or even care to do so. This makes her a captivating character, and although she believes she doesn't feel love, she cares deeply for her grandmother.
Another beautiful novel by Barry Jonsberg - exploring difficult life issues with a thoughtful and authentic touch.
Age - 13+
When Grace was six she was in an accident that claimed the lives of two close family members. She goes to therapy, does okay at school and gets on with life, but she knows there seems to be something missing within her.
"I don't know about love. I mean I know the word and what it signifies, but I don't understand the emotion itself. I think about my family and I try to understand how I feel about them: Mum, Gran, Jake and Uncle Mike. I should feel love, that's what's generally agreed, but I can't kid myself that I do."
This missing emotion also distances her from her classmates, and Grace has no friends inside or outside of school. So when a senior student called Simon asks her if she'd like to go into business with him, she wonders why.
He's seen how good she is at magic. If she does her magic and he promotes her on social media, they can split the proceeds. Grace doesn't care about the money, but now she loves performing magic, and seeing people's faces light up with wonder at her tricks.
There is one person Grace is particularly close to - her dad's mum. She is crotchety, argumentative, and sometimes hurtful, but she is also whip-smart, sharp tongued and funny. They get on incredibly well, giving each other as good as they get.
When Gran gets some upsetting health news, Grace doesn't hesitate to be her main carer. Gran is as difficult as ever, but they grow even closer while others help when they can. This time spent together reveals some truths about their family, the accident and a blanket of guilt they have all worn over the years.
Grace's magic weaves throughout her Gran's illness, her mother's alcoholism and her own journey to find what she's lost. With practice she finally faces her fears, and finds a way to help Gran deal with what she is facing.
Smoke & Mirrors made me laugh out loud, grit my teeth and cross my fingers in hope for the characters. As always Barry Jonsberg left me feeling all the more enriched for reading another of his novels.
Main characters Grace and her Gran spark off each other in this novel, but their special relationship changes and deepens through Gran's terminal illness. There are unanswered questions deep in Grace's past after a terrible accident, but these are slowly revealed through the women around her.
Magic is a key component, and many tricks are portrayed as Grace performs them, but the 'magic' of just how she does them is not revealed. Magicians in history are explored as Grace lives and breathes this craft, and spends many hours perfecting it.
Grace is an enigma to many around her, as she doesn't reveal much emotion, fit in with her classmates or even care to do so. This makes her a captivating character, and although she believes she doesn't feel love, she cares deeply for her grandmother.
Another beautiful novel by Barry Jonsberg - exploring difficult life issues with a thoughtful and authentic touch.
Age - 13+
January 28, 2024
Update. My review at Reading Time can be found here.
Another challenging, heart wrenching read from this author. Lots of clever use of meta references around the 'rules' of magic tricks - Jonsberg misdirects as he manipulates readers - to feel deeply, to consider their life choices, to reach out to family and to people who matter, and to find passion in life.
Try to go in spoiler free because the reveals are powerful.
It's not a trick. He keeps doing it.
Another challenging, heart wrenching read from this author. Lots of clever use of meta references around the 'rules' of magic tricks - Jonsberg misdirects as he manipulates readers - to feel deeply, to consider their life choices, to reach out to family and to people who matter, and to find passion in life.
Try to go in spoiler free because the reveals are powerful.
It's not a trick. He keeps doing it.
February 29, 2024
3.75
A clever little twist of story that you almost feel you can totally predict.
The writing is fun and although tough topics are explored through the eyes of a teen, it is done well and accurately.
The story is very Australian and I absolutely had some many moments of “omg yes”.
Grace is typical teen vibes but I loved her character and would have loved to have explored Simon but the story didn’t need it per se.
I picked it up in Junior fiction but I think it’s really 16+
A clever little twist of story that you almost feel you can totally predict.
The writing is fun and although tough topics are explored through the eyes of a teen, it is done well and accurately.
The story is very Australian and I absolutely had some many moments of “omg yes”.
Grace is typical teen vibes but I loved her character and would have loved to have explored Simon but the story didn’t need it per se.
I picked it up in Junior fiction but I think it’s really 16+
March 9, 2024
Grace only cared about two things: magic and her cantankerous gran. Until she met Simon, who promised to help her turn her magic skills into a small business. When Gran was diagnosed with a terminal illness, Grace moved in to become her primary carer. With some sleight of hand, Grace was determined to bring joy back into their lives.
I must’ve lived under a rock, because this was my first Barry Jonsberg book. And out of 5 stars, I’d give this one 6 if I could, it was that amazing! It was really funny, while at the same time squeezing my tear ducts dry.
My heart broke for Grace, and her challenges at a young age. I loved how she still managed to bring positivity into the world despite of all the sadness surrounding her. And I loved her skills in magic - this was the outstanding aspect of the book that would stay with me for a very long time.
What an exceptional story and exceptional writing. I’m a new fan of the author!
(Thanks to Allen & Unwin for a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review)
See my bookstagram review.
I must’ve lived under a rock, because this was my first Barry Jonsberg book. And out of 5 stars, I’d give this one 6 if I could, it was that amazing! It was really funny, while at the same time squeezing my tear ducts dry.
My heart broke for Grace, and her challenges at a young age. I loved how she still managed to bring positivity into the world despite of all the sadness surrounding her. And I loved her skills in magic - this was the outstanding aspect of the book that would stay with me for a very long time.
What an exceptional story and exceptional writing. I’m a new fan of the author!
(Thanks to Allen & Unwin for a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review)
See my bookstagram review.
June 12, 2024
May appeal to fans of magic, but ultimately disappointing. (2 stars)
This book caught my attention since the main character Grace is an amateur magician, and her fellow student Simon is determined to make her a viral star on TikTok. Grace is willing to go along with his efforts, but she’s also determined to take care of her Gran, who is terminally ill with cancer.
I appreciated the first part of the book, which even includes extensive details about some of Grace’s card tricks. Although I suspect that explaining the nuts and bolts of an ACAAN routine known as the Berglas Effect using a Svengali deck will make non-magicians eyes glaze over. While this seems to give Jonsberg some credibility and familiarity with magic, he gives himself away as a muggle when he describes the three stages of magic as The Prestige, The Turn, and The Prestige. These have never been terms used by magic theorists, and show that he’s actually just borrowing ideas from the 2006 film “The Prestige” by Christopher Nolan (in turn based on the 1995 novel by Christopher Priest) rather than someone with genuine expertise in the world of magic.
But the magic falls to the background the further you get into the book, and the material becomes dark, and the themes become adult. The fact that Grace comes from a dysfunctional family with a lot of emotional baggage has caused her real psychological damage, and we’re not spared of the ugliness this produces, including fractured family relationships and a mother who is a slut and an alcoholic.
It doesn’t help that Grace isn’t at all a likeable character, and nor is her foul-mouthed gran, so it’s hard to identify with either of them, despite the challenges they face. I also didn’t appreciate how the concept of assisted suicide was dealt with so approvingly. The writing style also seemed amateurish, even granting that it’s intended for a YA audience. And too many aspects of the story line were unrealistic.
Jonsberg may be an award-winning author of multiple books, but this book doesn’t seem to know what it wants to be, and in the end just proved to be a big disappointment. And it’s not appropriate for the middle-school age range it’s supposedly written for.
This book caught my attention since the main character Grace is an amateur magician, and her fellow student Simon is determined to make her a viral star on TikTok. Grace is willing to go along with his efforts, but she’s also determined to take care of her Gran, who is terminally ill with cancer.
I appreciated the first part of the book, which even includes extensive details about some of Grace’s card tricks. Although I suspect that explaining the nuts and bolts of an ACAAN routine known as the Berglas Effect using a Svengali deck will make non-magicians eyes glaze over. While this seems to give Jonsberg some credibility and familiarity with magic, he gives himself away as a muggle when he describes the three stages of magic as The Prestige, The Turn, and The Prestige. These have never been terms used by magic theorists, and show that he’s actually just borrowing ideas from the 2006 film “The Prestige” by Christopher Nolan (in turn based on the 1995 novel by Christopher Priest) rather than someone with genuine expertise in the world of magic.
But the magic falls to the background the further you get into the book, and the material becomes dark, and the themes become adult. The fact that Grace comes from a dysfunctional family with a lot of emotional baggage has caused her real psychological damage, and we’re not spared of the ugliness this produces, including fractured family relationships and a mother who is a slut and an alcoholic.
It doesn’t help that Grace isn’t at all a likeable character, and nor is her foul-mouthed gran, so it’s hard to identify with either of them, despite the challenges they face. I also didn’t appreciate how the concept of assisted suicide was dealt with so approvingly. The writing style also seemed amateurish, even granting that it’s intended for a YA audience. And too many aspects of the story line were unrealistic.
Jonsberg may be an award-winning author of multiple books, but this book doesn’t seem to know what it wants to be, and in the end just proved to be a big disappointment. And it’s not appropriate for the middle-school age range it’s supposedly written for.
March 3, 2025
YA realistic fiction. Ages 13/14+.
I really like this book, maybe even up to 5 stars (I'll round up now. May or may not change it as I think about it).
The narrator is very similar to that of Eleanor Jones is Not a Murderer - they both do the 'matter-of-fact Aussie teen girl' voice well.
Told in first person, Grace is grappling with several issues:
Grace is also a magician - an expert at slight of hand and making things appear and disappear. Some of the tricks are really well incorporated into the story, and this is also the catalyst for her one and only friendship.
This book is chiefly about family relationships and is very character-driven. While Grace has seen a psychologist for years, it's actually her gran's home care nurse who I think helps her the most.
While the topics are heavy, it's also a rather 'fun' book in many respects, with a positive (I don't think 'feel-good' is quite right...) ending, and I can see teens enjoying this one.
I really like this book, maybe even up to 5 stars (I'll round up now. May or may not change it as I think about it).
The narrator is very similar to that of Eleanor Jones is Not a Murderer - they both do the 'matter-of-fact Aussie teen girl' voice well.
Told in first person, Grace is grappling with several issues:
Grace is also a magician - an expert at slight of hand and making things appear and disappear. Some of the tricks are really well incorporated into the story, and this is also the catalyst for her one and only friendship.
This book is chiefly about family relationships and is very character-driven. While Grace has seen a psychologist for years, it's actually her gran's home care nurse who I think helps her the most.
While the topics are heavy, it's also a rather 'fun' book in many respects, with a positive (I don't think 'feel-good' is quite right...) ending, and I can see teens enjoying this one.
March 9, 2024
Unlike most teenagers, Grace only cares about two things, and they don’t include social media and friends. Grace lives for magic tricks and her grandmother. A repertoire of magic tricks she can master, but her cantankerous yet charming grandmother is a whole other act.
Grace lives with her alcoholic mother and avoids any kind of relationship with her at all costs. Instead, she visits her grandmother whose unpleasant and forthright attitude is almost as predictable to Grace as it is startling. Gran’s character is a ripper! There are many laugh out loud moments with Gran’s quick retorts and embellished truths. Jonsberg has created such a fabulous portrayal of this feisty, rude but loveable woman that this reader would happily visit and enjoy a cup of tea with a wagon wheel with Gran anytime.
Grace’s magician career begins to take off with the help of a patient and purely platonic friend called Simon. He invests in Grace’s career and stands by her even when she repeatedly lets him down. Grace’s career of performing magic tricks begins to disappear as she grapples with the terminal illness diagnosis given to Gran. However, she is saving the best trick for last.
This book deals with terminal illness and tough conversations in a manner that is considered, open, heartfelt and at times, light-hearted- “May you be in heaven half an hour before the devil knows you’re dead.” It also addresses family trauma through the tragic loss of Grace’s father many years before. A driving force for Grace’s self-imposed isolation and trust issues.
This book is such an entertaining read. The hardest part will be putting it down once you begin. Smoke and Mirrors is suitable for a 14+ readership.
Grace lives with her alcoholic mother and avoids any kind of relationship with her at all costs. Instead, she visits her grandmother whose unpleasant and forthright attitude is almost as predictable to Grace as it is startling. Gran’s character is a ripper! There are many laugh out loud moments with Gran’s quick retorts and embellished truths. Jonsberg has created such a fabulous portrayal of this feisty, rude but loveable woman that this reader would happily visit and enjoy a cup of tea with a wagon wheel with Gran anytime.
Grace’s magician career begins to take off with the help of a patient and purely platonic friend called Simon. He invests in Grace’s career and stands by her even when she repeatedly lets him down. Grace’s career of performing magic tricks begins to disappear as she grapples with the terminal illness diagnosis given to Gran. However, she is saving the best trick for last.
This book deals with terminal illness and tough conversations in a manner that is considered, open, heartfelt and at times, light-hearted- “May you be in heaven half an hour before the devil knows you’re dead.” It also addresses family trauma through the tragic loss of Grace’s father many years before. A driving force for Grace’s self-imposed isolation and trust issues.
This book is such an entertaining read. The hardest part will be putting it down once you begin. Smoke and Mirrors is suitable for a 14+ readership.
January 2, 2025
Barry Jonsberg's Smoke & Mirrors is an exploration of grief, family, and self-discovery wrapped in a story brimming with wit and emotional depth. Grace, the protagonist, is an unapologetically sharp and guarded teen with a talent for magic and a deep bond with her equally acerbic Gran. Their dynamic sparkles with dark humour, even as it anchors the story through heavier themes like terminal illness, family trauma, and addiction.
Jonsberg's deft characterisation shines, making Grace's internal struggles feel poignant and authentic. Though not explicitly labeled, her neurodivergent traits are woven seamlessly into the narrative, offering meaningful representation without reducing her to a stereotype.
The magic in the story is more than a hobby for Grace—it's her lifeline, a way to process her emotions and connect with others, particularly through her burgeoning friendship with Simon. The clever twists, coupled with Jonsberg's subtle world-building, keep readers on their toes while delivering a heartfelt and hopeful conclusion.
This book balances raw emotional challenges with sharp humour, making it perfect for readers aged 12+ who appreciate a story that doesn’t shy away from difficult topics while offering moments of levity and wonder.
🌟🌟🌟🌟/5
Jonsberg's deft characterisation shines, making Grace's internal struggles feel poignant and authentic. Though not explicitly labeled, her neurodivergent traits are woven seamlessly into the narrative, offering meaningful representation without reducing her to a stereotype.
The magic in the story is more than a hobby for Grace—it's her lifeline, a way to process her emotions and connect with others, particularly through her burgeoning friendship with Simon. The clever twists, coupled with Jonsberg's subtle world-building, keep readers on their toes while delivering a heartfelt and hopeful conclusion.
This book balances raw emotional challenges with sharp humour, making it perfect for readers aged 12+ who appreciate a story that doesn’t shy away from difficult topics while offering moments of levity and wonder.
🌟🌟🌟🌟/5
November 13, 2024
The only thing Grace wants to do with her life is magic so when a boy at school called Simon offers to help her launch her magic career, she let's him launch a TikTok account on her behalf and advertise her services for children's parties despite the fact that she struggles to trust people and to make friends. Grace doesn't have any friends and not much family left, so when her Gran is diagnosed with terminal cancer she offers to move in with her to care for her. But even though Grace is brilliant at magic, she can't make her Gran's illness disappear.
This book won me over. Grace is an extremely nihilistic character with a dark sense of humour and I loved her voice and particularly her relationship with her Gran. Thought the subject matter is very grim and unrelenting, Grace handles everything with determination and, despite everything, the book ends on a hopeful note. A surprising and captivating read.
This book won me over. Grace is an extremely nihilistic character with a dark sense of humour and I loved her voice and particularly her relationship with her Gran. Thought the subject matter is very grim and unrelenting, Grace handles everything with determination and, despite everything, the book ends on a hopeful note. A surprising and captivating read.
February 23, 2024
Barry Jonsberg is a genius. It's insane that he can create a teen novel that deals with serious issues such as death, euthanasia, alcoholism and therapy in such a sensitive way, pulling at your heart strings one minute yet making you laugh out loud the next. The point of view from the main character, a teen, is so heartfelt and full of warmth and the banter between her and her grandmother is witty and delightful.
Read this if you enjoyed The First Third by Will Kostakis.
Read this if you enjoyed The First Third by Will Kostakis.
April 24, 2024
Grace has had a lot to deal with in her life, more than any teen should. Magic tricks gives her something to focus on and that brings her pleasure, except when trying tricks in front of her peers. This book has a lot of pain mixed with humour. Grace is prickly but likeable. There are some heavy themes: parent alcoholism, family death and assisted dying. Grace grows up a lot in this tale and the reader discovers that even in dark times hope lives. Think it’s a late highschool read (15+)
February 15, 2025
This was a hard read for me.
I’m not the target audience now at age 24, but even 10 years ago, I would have struggled to maintain interest in this book.
The storytelling felt so bland, and the writing style / formatting of chapters just contributed to my issues with struggling to maintain interest.
I appreciate that the book tries to discuss real experiences that many young people face (myself included)
But the book overall just was not for me.
I’m not the target audience now at age 24, but even 10 years ago, I would have struggled to maintain interest in this book.
The storytelling felt so bland, and the writing style / formatting of chapters just contributed to my issues with struggling to maintain interest.
I appreciate that the book tries to discuss real experiences that many young people face (myself included)
But the book overall just was not for me.
March 7, 2024
If I had a chance, maybe would have given 4.5 stars. I really enjoyed 99% of the book, especially the main content about palliative care, living with elderly people and the toll trauma can place on oneself and others. The ending however was a little flat ... was hoping for a bit more magic as it appeared through the book.
March 17, 2024
It's a sweet book. A little underwhelming for me. Grace loves performing magic which is her escape from the real world of alcoholic mum, ghost brother, deceased dad, absent uncle and a gran that is dying. She has a lot going on, so readers can comnect to her.
Fine for all middle school students, very mild descriptions of topics and themes.
Fine for all middle school students, very mild descriptions of topics and themes.
January 10, 2025
A brilliantly told tale of a dysfunctional family told from Grace's perspective as she deals with the death of her father and brother, her alcoholic mother and her acerbic, forthright grandmother and her terminal illness.
A deft hand explores complex relationships, feelings and tragedy with dignity and humour through Graces' obsession (and skill) with magic and illusion.
A deft hand explores complex relationships, feelings and tragedy with dignity and humour through Graces' obsession (and skill) with magic and illusion.
February 16, 2025
Magic, grief, neglect, alcoholism, family. Teen Grace has history of the worst kind. But she’s one determined, self-reliant person. Her dream is to wow people with her magic, and she has talent. But her ambition is at risk of derailing when her gran gets sick.
Clever witty dialogue and characters with personality. The audiobook helped my daylong car ride fly by. Loved it.
Clever witty dialogue and characters with personality. The audiobook helped my daylong car ride fly by. Loved it.
July 2, 2024
Barry Jonsberg is a master storytelling who is able to handle heavy themes including mental health, families and terminal illnesses in a sensitive and age appropriate way.
Highly recommend for the upper end of YA.
Thanks to Netgalley and Allen and Unwin for a review copy.
Highly recommend for the upper end of YA.
Thanks to Netgalley and Allen and Unwin for a review copy.
May 2, 2024
Engaging story - with real magic!
February 9, 2025
Loved this book, another treat from Jonsberg. Assisted dying, sibling parental death alcoholism friendship & magic
April 1, 2025
Thoroughly enjoyed this book - some very deep topics covered but remained engaging throughout
April 15, 2025
Really liked this book. Barry Jonsberg writes the best characters and good storylines
May 13, 2025
I really enjoyed this book
June 20, 2025
not the worst book I've read, I did feel quite engaged but I just wish there was more to the story
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews