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Only Gingers Can Be Witches
Two weeks ago, thirteen year-old Ally would have laughed at the thought of running around in the middle of the night, waving bundles of herbs at imaginary ghosts. But the new girl in town, Hanna, is into that sort of thing.
When the two girls become unlikely friends, Hanna's world of witchery invades Ally's own and turns decidedly dangerous. Flocks of crows descend on the streets, shadow-men stalk Ally's front yard, and a ghoul nests like a spider in the local library's basement. Together, the girls set out to quickly uncover the sinister culprit behind it all--before someone gets hurt.
But then a mysterious stranger emerges from the shadows to snatch Hanna off the streets for use in a nefarious plan. Ally has never had to save anyone before, and isn't sure she's up to the task. In fact, magic in general is out of her experience entirely; because as everyone knows, only gingers can be witches... or can they?
When the two girls become unlikely friends, Hanna's world of witchery invades Ally's own and turns decidedly dangerous. Flocks of crows descend on the streets, shadow-men stalk Ally's front yard, and a ghoul nests like a spider in the local library's basement. Together, the girls set out to quickly uncover the sinister culprit behind it all--before someone gets hurt.
But then a mysterious stranger emerges from the shadows to snatch Hanna off the streets for use in a nefarious plan. Ally has never had to save anyone before, and isn't sure she's up to the task. In fact, magic in general is out of her experience entirely; because as everyone knows, only gingers can be witches... or can they?
360 pages, Paperback
First published February 28, 2014
3 people are currently reading
1232 people want to read
About the author
J.A. Trevor
1 book13 followersMy name is JA Trevor, and I'm a writer. I am a huge fan of books and the things they teach us.
My sincerest hope is to provide, in some small part, a magical experience in the early years of our children. I benefited hugely from the wonderful books of my day, and would be remiss if I were to turn my back on the responsibility I have to repay those authors in kind. It is more important than ever for us to provide good books to not just our kids, but to society at large, and I humbly wish to do my part.
I'm currently in the process of publishing my book titled ONLY GINGERS CAN BE WITCHES, a middle-grade urban fantasy, as well as writing other novels. I live in Layton, Utah with my wife Becky and dogs Darwin and Nymphadora.
My sincerest hope is to provide, in some small part, a magical experience in the early years of our children. I benefited hugely from the wonderful books of my day, and would be remiss if I were to turn my back on the responsibility I have to repay those authors in kind. It is more important than ever for us to provide good books to not just our kids, but to society at large, and I humbly wish to do my part.
I'm currently in the process of publishing my book titled ONLY GINGERS CAN BE WITCHES, a middle-grade urban fantasy, as well as writing other novels. I live in Layton, Utah with my wife Becky and dogs Darwin and Nymphadora.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
February 18, 2014
As a mom of two elementary-aged daughters, I've been frustrated by the quality of fantasy novels for middle-grade girls. Too many fairies spreading sugary rainbows, and too many wilting princesses waiting around to be rescued by a prince. GINGERS is a pleasant change. Ally and Hanna are likeable, strong and smart. They save the world themselves, and don't need a boy to rescue them. Recommended for kids of either gender in the 7-13 age range.
March 26, 2014
This is a great book for its target demographic (9-14 year-olds) and for older teens and adults looking for light, engaging reading. I liked that it firmly passes the Bechdel Test (whether or not two women who talk to each other talk about something other than a man). The two main characters, Ally and Hanna, are interesting and likeable, and each have characteristics that make you say, "I know someone just like that!" and are wonderful examples to young girls (and everyone) of what women are capable of accomplishing without having to depend on men.
One of my favorite things about the book is the fact that it's set in the 1990's. The author has peppered the story with bits of 90's nostalgia that will make those old enough to get the references smile. For those that aren't old enough, the references don't detract from the story.
The setting is appropriately spooky at times, and the magical world that JA Trevor has created is new and fresh, with plenty of elements to get the imagination going. I hope the author chooses to revisit the world of Ally and Hanna for more creepy goodness!
One of my favorite things about the book is the fact that it's set in the 1990's. The author has peppered the story with bits of 90's nostalgia that will make those old enough to get the references smile. For those that aren't old enough, the references don't detract from the story.
The setting is appropriately spooky at times, and the magical world that JA Trevor has created is new and fresh, with plenty of elements to get the imagination going. I hope the author chooses to revisit the world of Ally and Hanna for more creepy goodness!
May 1, 2014
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. As an adult I didn't expect to like it as much as I did. I enjoyed the humor and really liked the character, Ally. I loved that the book focused on the friendship between two girls. As a mother to two girls, I think that girls are under-represented in media in general but in fantasy even more so. I will look forward to reading this book to my girls when they are a bit older. While this book follows two girls, don't let that scare off the boys! This is a book that boys and girl can enjoy.
March 31, 2014
It's very hard to find quality books for this age group. However, this story is a fun and enjoyable read that shows girls can be strong as well as smart. Perfect for sharing and discussing with your pre-teen.
March 27, 2014
Fabulous book! I loved the character development. I hope "JA Trevor" is already working on his next book.
February 18, 2014
I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to beta read this book in one of it's earlier drafts and to be perfectly honest.. I loved it.
It was a fun story about friendship and magic and dark things. There was mystery and wonder and adventure, too. Honestly, I don't remember all of it well enough to really do it justice in a review right now, but let me just say it's a book I'm looking forward to owning and one I'm going to enjoy reading to (or with) my children someday. It's also a book I would love to see have a sequel or potentially a series. It would be a lot of fun to join Ally and Hannah in future adventures.
I'm giving it four out of five stars because, as stated above, I only read an early draft, but I'm excited to read the finished product and will post a proper review once I've done so.
It was a fun story about friendship and magic and dark things. There was mystery and wonder and adventure, too. Honestly, I don't remember all of it well enough to really do it justice in a review right now, but let me just say it's a book I'm looking forward to owning and one I'm going to enjoy reading to (or with) my children someday. It's also a book I would love to see have a sequel or potentially a series. It would be a lot of fun to join Ally and Hannah in future adventures.
I'm giving it four out of five stars because, as stated above, I only read an early draft, but I'm excited to read the finished product and will post a proper review once I've done so.
June 23, 2014
Disclaimer: I won a signed copy of this book from a GoodReads contest, received direct from author.
It's taken me a while to start reading this. My first impression of the book online was that it would be a young childrens' book. It was quite a surprise to open the package and receive a full-size novel! Labeled ages 9-14. My misconception was partly based on the wonderful, vibrant illustrated cover. The look and feel of the book was of pure literary candy, and I wanted to savor the anticipation as long as I could.
I'm about halfway through the book right now, and I'm enjoying it. I like the descriptiveness of the scenes, characters are brought to life realistically, and the pacing seems good. I love how the author used chapter 13 to start introducing the spooky elements!
It's taken me a while to start reading this. My first impression of the book online was that it would be a young childrens' book. It was quite a surprise to open the package and receive a full-size novel! Labeled ages 9-14. My misconception was partly based on the wonderful, vibrant illustrated cover. The look and feel of the book was of pure literary candy, and I wanted to savor the anticipation as long as I could.
I'm about halfway through the book right now, and I'm enjoying it. I like the descriptiveness of the scenes, characters are brought to life realistically, and the pacing seems good. I love how the author used chapter 13 to start introducing the spooky elements!
March 21, 2014
Such a great book! I really enjoyed reading it and look forward to reading it with my kids in the future. I think it is a great book for boys and girls, but I love that the main characters are girls who are strong and independent. I love that even though Hanna is different Ally was still willing to become friends with her. I think it teaches a great lesson about not judging others. I loved that the book has mystery and adventure, as I was reading it I had a hard time stopping cause I had to know what was going to happen next. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a fun and exciting story to read with your kids!
May 26, 2014
The relationship between Hannah and Ally is so sweet. They give each other what they don't have anywhere else: the ability to be themselves 100% without judgment. They're each minorities in their different ways and when they come together their friendship is different than the kind you often see among young teens. Toward the end I was getting really worried it would end too abruptly, but was satisfied with how it all turned out. It's the kind of story I want my kids to read. Overall I loved it and hope to see more from Trevor in the future!
February 18, 2014
A very good, clean book for young girls. A unique concept and good story. Trevor is a good writer. Young readers will enjoy this. The cover is great and matches the feel and tone of the book. 5 stars.
Want to read
April 14, 2014have not won.
July 21, 2014
Great book!!!! Independent and strong female figures are needed right now in a girls life!!! I highly recommend this book to children and adults of all ages. Very well done JA Trevor
December 29, 2019
The author does an amazing job with the development of a fast but real relationship between two young girls. I appreciated the focus on the story and the lack of tropes typical for books in this age group. I love this book!
March 17, 2023
Things I liked: diverse, interesting characters; nicely portrayed friendships; female empowerment; interesting, engaging plot.
Things I didn't like: occult elements; some rather clunky writing.
Something I was ambivalent about: some surprisingly dark elements (especially in the climax).
Overall I enjoyed it, but it's not going to make it onto my favorites list.
Things I didn't like: occult elements; some rather clunky writing.
Something I was ambivalent about: some surprisingly dark elements (especially in the climax).
Overall I enjoyed it, but it's not going to make it onto my favorites list.
April 25, 2015
Ally lives in a small town where new things like recycling and the internet are barely beginning. Yes, we're moving back in time a bit before phones and mp3 players became a thing. Ally is one of those do-gooders that's trying to do well in school and get her parents to go a little green by recycling. Basically, she's the girl that's going to make things happen when she grows up. But our story happens now, and someone new is going to push her to be amazing.
Hanna is that one who dresses a little differently, acts a little strangely, and couldn't care less about what anyone think. But as all newcomers going to school know, she's still looking for a friend. So when she meets Ally who's willing to go with her 'only gingers can be witches,' attitude, it's a match made in heaven. The only problem is Ally will soon realize Hanna's not just imagining things, she's actually a witch. And something wicked in town is brewing.
Ally and Hanna's personalities compliment each other really well in this story. I loved watching their friendship grow and the witch history/teaching was all intermingled into the story. And there was magic, rune stones, ghouls, and talk of other nefarious creatures. I had fun with it. When the supernatural occurrences happened, I loved seeing Hanna's can-fix-it attitude come out. But we also got to watch Ally shine when she was faced with a sinister plot. My only drawback was I felt like the characters behaved a little younger than their age (13), but I'm used to stories regarding older characters (so what do I know?).
This is definitely a story for middle grade students that shows two very strong female characters. We don't get too many stories like that, do we? In my opinion, we need more. A fun one I would hand to kids ready for big-kid chapter books.
Hanna is that one who dresses a little differently, acts a little strangely, and couldn't care less about what anyone think. But as all newcomers going to school know, she's still looking for a friend. So when she meets Ally who's willing to go with her 'only gingers can be witches,' attitude, it's a match made in heaven. The only problem is Ally will soon realize Hanna's not just imagining things, she's actually a witch. And something wicked in town is brewing.
Ally and Hanna's personalities compliment each other really well in this story. I loved watching their friendship grow and the witch history/teaching was all intermingled into the story. And there was magic, rune stones, ghouls, and talk of other nefarious creatures. I had fun with it. When the supernatural occurrences happened, I loved seeing Hanna's can-fix-it attitude come out. But we also got to watch Ally shine when she was faced with a sinister plot. My only drawback was I felt like the characters behaved a little younger than their age (13), but I'm used to stories regarding older characters (so what do I know?).
This is definitely a story for middle grade students that shows two very strong female characters. We don't get too many stories like that, do we? In my opinion, we need more. A fun one I would hand to kids ready for big-kid chapter books.
October 19, 2015
*I received this book for free from Goodreads First Reads.*
This book is the story of 2 girls who become friends and try to figure out why strange things are happening around town. It was a cute read with loads of details about the one girls magical skills. It was an O.K. read. I found that I got bored sometimes with some of the explanations for things. An example is when you read sentence after sentence about the rune stones. You are told each color, symbol and ability of the stones even though they are not all relevant. Even with that, I would recommend it to my daughter.
This book is the story of 2 girls who become friends and try to figure out why strange things are happening around town. It was a cute read with loads of details about the one girls magical skills. It was an O.K. read. I found that I got bored sometimes with some of the explanations for things. An example is when you read sentence after sentence about the rune stones. You are told each color, symbol and ability of the stones even though they are not all relevant. Even with that, I would recommend it to my daughter.
September 24, 2014
I am a sucker for fantasy books and this is no exception. The book is well written and the characters are well realized. Ally is my favorite character, and I really relate to a girl like her. This is not only a great book for tween age boys and girls to enjoy, but the message that adventure knows no gender is a welcome idea. I love this book and hope to make it a home staple when my kids are grown enough to enjoy it!
August 25, 2014
I received this book from a a giveaway on good reads. Cute story about a ginger haired little witch and her friend who discovers you dont have to be a ginger to be a good witch. Great book for kids!
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews