The Magic of Someday Soon

by Michelle Lee

For fans of Barbara O'Connor, The Magic of Someday Soon is a hopeful middle grade novel overflowing with light, love, and adventure as two girls find the extraordinary joys of every day.

Zoe longs to one day put down roots. Since her dad’s death, twelve-year-old Zoe September has drifted from place to place with her artist mother, the Up-cycle Magician. Then a new art project for her mom brings them to Maravel, Florida—her dad’s hometown. In Maravel, she discovers a delicious, enchanting secret among the sweet brews of her grandmother’s tea shop. But how will Zoe ever leave when her mom wants to get back on the road?

Teddy dreams of the day she can save her past. Twelve-year-old Teddy Martin has a restore her great-grandparents’ legacy, Fossil Gardens, a theme park of artistic recreations of prehistoric animals. Desperate to rescue the last remaining sculptures, Teddy enlists the Up-cycle Magician’s help before they disappear forever. But with sinkholes threatening to swallow the decaying fossils, is Teddy in over her head?

Never underestimate the magic of someday soon. Things bubble and steam between Zoe and Teddy when they team up. But in working together to save Fossil Gardens, the girls discover something even more special—the possibility of your deepest wishes coming true in unexpected ways and a friendship that feels like home.

Genres: Middle Grade, Realistic Fiction, Childrens

269 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 3, 2026

Reviews

[Tyffani · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️ rounded up. Zoe and Teddy are so sweet together. They are an unlikely pair of conspirators that manage to bring out the best in each other. I love the fact that they both have families that don’t match our typical expectations of a family. Making sure all kids have books they can see themselves in or relate to is so important. As a teacher, this is a book I would love to have on my shelves. As a parent, this is a fun and sweet book with a great message. Dee is personally my favorite character but that’s just because I would love nothing more than to bake cookies and brew tea every day.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC of this book.

[Mar Rose 🧡🤍🩷 · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5 stars - I really enjoyed this middle grade novel! The main plot is that Zoe September is a girl who has been carted around the country by her mom, who is an incredible artist of giant sculptures and installations. This has happened since before her father, also an artist, passed away. Zoe has been feeling pretty isolated as of late, though: she's never had a friend, a bedroom, or even a community of her own. Enter Teddy, who is working hard to save Bobby and Rita, sculptures of two giant prehistoric animals (a sloth and am armadillo) that have been housed outdoors at the former theme park that her great-grandparents owned before their retirements and deaths. Teddy's Uncle Jeremy adopted her at age five and let me tell you, the Full House vibes are STRONG in the best way. Oh, and Teddy lives in the small central Florida town that Zoe's dad grew up in, so of course, Teddy and Zoe end up meeting through shenanigans. There's also a tea shop owner/witch named Dee - Zoe and her mom stay at the tea shop, which is also Dee's house, and Dee is fun and sassy. Basically all the side characters are great! Finally, as a central Florida local, I felt that the descriptions of Florida were realistic (like how it rains every day in the summer and no one is too bothered by it) without being caricatures, which can sometimes happen with "Florida man" and alligators and such - and neither is mentioned in this book! Overall this book made me cry multiple times :) if you or a kid in your life likes realistic fiction with juuuuust a touch of magic, you should buy this.
*Netgalley ARC review*

[Darya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zoe is traveling from city to city with her mother, a celebrated artist, never staying in one place for more than a few weeks, and longing for a feeling of home.
Teddy, also twelve, has been adopted by her uncle and has not left her hometown of Maravel for years. Several decades ago, the town was known for its “Fossil Gardens” theme park, which was founded by Teddy’s great-grandparents, and the girl wishes she could save the remaining artistic installations from decay, to honor both the town’s and her family’s history.
There might have been some deception involved in making sure that Zoe’s mother—the artist who has exactly the capability to restore the sculptures to their former glory—is brought to Maravel, which was her deceased husband’s (Zoe’s father’s) hometown and where the girl’s great-grandmother still lives and runs the local tea shop.

The story, told in alternating POVs of the two girls, deals with their making sense of the world and creating connections to each other and to others around them, both those living in the present and those remaining in the past; identity and belonging, in the long run. I liked how the author created two very distinct characters, with very different patterns of communication and decision-making. A couple of story elements felt a bit contrived—like the years-long conflict between Teddy and Nate—but I guess that was necessary to develop Teddy’s character and show her connections to the community, so that there is an actual community at play and not just these two families.

It should also be noted that despite the word “magic” in the title, this is not fantasy. There is a touch of magical realism in the book, but it is not at all about the girls’ apprenticeship in magic or anything like that.

Sinkholes, though? Should I be afraid of an abyss opening up under my feet now, or am I safe as long as I stay away from the fictional town of Maravel, Florida?

4.5 stars.

Publication date: March 3, 2026.

Thanks to the publisher for providing me with an eARC of this book through NetGalley. The opinion above is entirely my own.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ever since she was young, Zoe September and her mother have traveled the United States together, venturing from one art commission to the next. With no memory of the father who passed away when Zoe was only four years old, Zoe is desperate to find some piece of him somewhere. Seemingly serendipitously, an email arrives from the town where her father was born, inviting Zoe’s mother to restore beloved statues to their former glory. But when it becomes clear the writer of the email is just as starved for connection as Zoe is herself, the possibility for magic and more alights for both of them. This charming, heartwarming middle grade novel features two girls who have both had difficult childhoods and, much like in The Parent Trap, will do what they can to ensure life somehow goes their way. Recounted from both perspectives, the narrative offers readers insight into each character’s motivations and feelings as the plot progresses. With the major debacle taking place in the early part of the book, the remainder of the story is left for repair and renewal for everyone involved. While some moments within the novel are predictable for astute readers, the journey is nonetheless enjoyable as the characters work to find themselves within their unexpected surroundings. A magical story embedded within a small town community, this novel is one that leaves readers of all ages with a cathartic and uplifting feeling at its conclusion. This is a good addition to contemporary fiction collections for middle grade readers.

[Sue.the.very.busy.reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Do you ever pick up a book just because the cover feels magical? ✨ The twinkling lights in the tree instantly drew me in, and I’m so glad they did because The Magic of Someday Soon completely stole my heart. This hopeful, dream-filled story follows Zoe September and her artist mom, who have been drifting from town to town since her father’s death—until an unexpected email from Teddy leads them to Maravel, the hometown Zoe has never truly known. There, Zoe meets her grandmother Dee, who runs the most enchanting tea shop filled with whimsical blends and a gorgeous garden, and begins to discover what “home” really means. With its charming small-town vibes, a heartfelt mother-daughter journey, a mission to preserve family and town history, creative upcycling art, and an unlikely trio of teens, Zoe, Teddy and Nathan come together for a community project, this book is packed with warmth, friendship, and love. Absolutely adorable and such a fun, uplifting read for all ages. 💛 Thank you to @mackidsbooks, @NetGalley, and @michelleleewritesmagic for the ARC— all opinions are my own!

[Jeni Enjaian · Rating 4 out of 5]

(Actual rating: 4.25 stars)
I really enjoyed this middle grade novel as I read it. When I write this review over a week later, a lot of the more detailed thoughts I have regarding the book escape me. This often happens when a book is good, but not great or unique or in someway extra that captures my attention. One of my biggest struggles with this book is how much the two main characters are alike. The chapters clearly state, which girl is the perspective for the chapter, but since they interact with many of the same people, once the reader gets into the chapter, it’s difficult to distinguish between the two main characters. I did think that the author did a good job with the character development and the exploration of how each of these girls deals with parental grief. One of the main characters lost her father many years ago. The other main character lost one of her parents - I forget which one - to a drug overdose and the other was never in her life so she is being raised by her uncle. Overall, this is a decent middle grade Reid, but not one I would strongly recommend.

[Cindy Mitchell *Kiss the Book* · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Magic of Someday Soon by Michelle Lee, 288 pages. Farrar, Straus and Giroux (Macmillan), 2026. $19
Content: G
BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE
APPEALS TO: SOME
12yo Zoey and her mother have been traveling the country for eight years, since her father died, watching her mom, The Upcycle Magician, create sculptures from recycled pieces. Zoey has contrived a can’t-pass-it-up job for Mom, which takes them back to her Dad’s hometown, to the grandmother she doesn’t remember. 12yo Teddy meanwhile, is desperate to save her great grandparents’ Fossil Garden, a neglected sculpture garden. Both girls are looking for belonging and closure and they need each other.
The magic in the title is not really literal, though there is a slight touch of wonder. Teddy and Zoey are a good support for each other.
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

[Mildly Mad Hatter(Semi Hiatus) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was so sweet! I loved both of the girls and their personalities! They both were sweet, yet had big things to work through and I loved how in the end they both got what they needed. All of the tea and the descriptions were amazingly detailed! I felt like drinking tea the entire time I read this! There was some evolution in this book that I don’t support as a Christian, and some taking the Lords name in vain, but other than that, this book was clean. I would honestly be able to hand it to my siblings without worrying and I know they would enjoy it! All in all, amazing, sweet book with great wholesome characters that experience wonderful growth. Highly recommend!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the e-arc of this book.

[Hannah Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two very different kids come together for eerily similar reasons of connection, family, belonging, and home.

Zoe is wanting to know where her dad comes from and also get to know her grandmother. Her artist mother has all but closed up about Zoe's dad since his death, and Zoe desperately needs to find her own connection with him. Teddy is trying to save the last two sculptures from her grandparent's theme park before they get swallowed up by a sinkhole. Individually, they create sneaky plans to get their loved ones involved. Once they are together, Zoe and Teddy are unstoppable.

There's such a strong sense of family in this book. Zoe and Teddy's loved ones are invested in the kids and truly listen to them. Even though they are grown-ups and miss things, they are trying.

Zoe's grandmother has an adorable cafe/tea shop with many mysterious teas and a garden that sounds like a dream. Teddy's sculptures are almost characters themselves, and Teddy's love for them is packed with so much emotion and meaning.

Here are my favorite moments:

Teddy thinking about the sculptures out in the storm by themselves: "Bobby and Rita were out there in the woods, fighting to keep their parts from breaking off and flying away. 'Keep it together,' she whispered. 'I'll check on you tomorrow.'"

Zoe checking out the overgrown theme park, Fossil Gardens: "Immediately, she was surrounded: scraggly branches and nets of vines, plants with leaves bigger than half her body, delicate white buds like snowdrops, hot pink flowers on hearty stalks. Trees that haloed the sun."

Zoe meeting the sculptures for the first time: "Zoe could make out part of a head. Half a tail. A rusty spine. A chicken wire neck cradling a bird's nest. The claws on one hand bandaged with moss. A leg riddled with air plants. A gray, papier-mâché-looking bee's nest the size of a suitcase throbbing in the middle of it all."

Zoe's mom talking about her dad's art: "'He used to say that the best art came in the after...The reaction to what you couldn't have imagined or anticipated, but happened. A red line that came out asymmetrical. A blob of paint or glue. An accidental rip in the corner of a canvas. He looked at it all like a challenge or surprise."

[Diamanti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hello, parents and children!
Oh, what can I say about this book! The whole story is so sweet and special. These girls entered my heart and touched me deeply. Moreover, the narration alternates between the two girls, Zoe and Teddy and the whole story has its messages such as relationships, identity, love, the need to belong somewhere, hope and the journey of the path and life.
The author's writing is warm, sweet, tender, magical and enjoyable. For all this, I believe that our little friends will love the book.

Thank you very much to the publishers for the eARC!

This is my honest review!

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

In The Magic of Someday Soon, Michelle Lee weaves a poignant story about the power of friendship and the search for belonging. The narrative follows two 12-year-olds: Zoe September, a girl tired of her nomadic van life and desperate to "put down roots" and learn about her late father, and Teddy Martin, the fierce self-appointed guardian of her family's crumbling prehistoric sculpture park.

The story is told in alternating POVs, and Lee does a wonderful job of creating two very distinct characters with unique communication and decision-making patterns. While I found the first half of the book a slog, the bottom half made up for it. Zoe’s journey from "drifting" to finding a place where she is seen, and Teddy’s struggle to honor her family’s legacy without being buried by it, are both deeply relatable.

It is worth noting that while there is a touch of magical realism, it is ultimately a contemporary story about human connections. Ultimately, this is a beautiful exploration of the chaos of life and the treasures found in unexpected changes. The "Magic" of the title isn't about spells; it’s about the hopeful anticipation of children waiting for things to get better, and the realization that through friendship and effort, you can make that "someday" happen right now.

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and Macmillan Children's in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet story about kids working to make a difference in the world. Failed to break the mold of dead parents that is inherent to literally every middle grade novel, but I liked the emphasis on working together to bring beauty to their communities and honor the past.

[Tiffany Mathews · Rating 4 out of 5]

The warmth of friendship shines in this book, but what stood out to me most is that I’d love Dee’s gardening skills, intuitive nature, and the way she has a tea for everyone. I’d love an adult book from her P.O.V.

[Hoover Public Library Kids and Teens · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Dashes of magical realism are found in the great-grandmother’s garden and tea shop, but the real magic is apparent in the friendships forged while Teddy and Zoe unearth their family histories... a heartwarming adventure." [School Library Journal]

[Deanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Darling story, wish I knew more students who. liked this genre, such a cute story.

[Natasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the refreshing feeling a vacation or time outdoors can give you. A stop and smell the roses feeling.

[Ms. Yingling · Rating 3 out of 5]

E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus

Zoe's father passed away when she was very young, and for the past eight years she has been constantly at her artist mother's side as she travels the country as the Upcycle Magician, completing projects before packing up their aged car Geraldine and moving on. When Zoe signs a contract on her mother's behalf to complete a project in her father's hometown of Maravel, Florida, her mother isn't pleased, but can't be too angry. When the two arrive in the small town, they find that the mechanic who is towing and fixing their car is the father of the "city council person" who asked them to come! Teddy is being raised by her uncle Jeremy, and is invested in honoring the legacy of her great grandparents, who ran Fossil Gardens in the 1970s and 80s. It was a tourist attraction with dinosaurs made out of scrap, so a perfect project for Zoe's mother, but the gardens have had multiple sink holes underneath of the property, which is now owned by the Altamontes. Their son, Nick, is Teddy's age, but her archnemesis due to an incident when the two were in kindergarten. Smoothing everyone's ruffled feathers in her father's Grandma Dee, who runs a local tea shop and has an otherworldly, magical air about her. She's thrilled to put up Zoe and her mother while their car is fixed, and the mother does agree to fix the two remaining "fossils", Bobby and Rita, who are moved from the gardens to Dee's lawn. Zoe desperately wants to stay in one place, and loves hanging out with Dee, who plies her with almost magical tea and a quantity of baked goods. Teddy is relieved that Bobby and Rita will be restored and appreciated, but a heavy storm opens up another sinkhole, this time in Dee's yard, and both statues are sucked under. There's a lot of agitation as Zoe has to deal with going back on the road and Teddy has to process her loss and also make amends with Nick. Will things work out for everyone in Maravel?
Strengths: I am absolutely all about vintage tourist attractions, motels, or relics from grandparents, so I really enjoyed this story. It was also good to see both Zoe and Teddy make a friend with someone who understood their losses. Maravel was a very fun setting, and I could just envision Bobby and Rita sitting all alone in a field, with foliage growing up through them. Grandma Dee is delightful, and perhaps even a little magic. There's a satisfying conclusion to the story, and everyone is happier at the end than at the beginning, which is always a relief.
Weaknesses: The cover makes this look very young, and also promises a little more magic than is actually involved in the story.
What I really think: This felt a little like a cross between Lloyd's A Snicker of Magic and Lute's Dinner at the Brake Fast or Berry's Heart Finds. The closest comparison is Freeman's Trashed, which I absolutely loved but which isn't circulating as much as I would like.

Macmillans Childrens Publishing Group Winter MG post

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the most original novels I have read so far this year. Without giving too much away, it somehow reminds me of "Bridge to Terabithia" with how emotional it is. I loved this book. I hope there are more stories coming from this author. Please write more.

[Lisa Pineo · Rating 5 out of 5]

While I'm not normally a fan of magic realism, I adored this book. There was so much going on I didn't want to put the book down. It kept sucking me back in. The characters were all well-developed and interesting and I loved how everyone was interconnected in the small town. Zoe's story about her and her mom driving around, missing her dad, just wanting to put down roots somewhere, really tugged at my heart. Teddy, living with her uncle, trying to save her grandparents' dinosaur statues, was an interesting parallel storyline. Bringing them together was cute, and having them work along side Zoe's grandma, was beautiful. I loved the symbolism of the tea and how it evoked so many emotions and memories for the people who drank it. Bringing everyone together with the tea and having wonderful conversations made this middle grade book special.