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Raven, Rising
Perfect for fans of Christine Day and Cynthia Leitich Smith, this debut novel follows a Cherokee girl who, after the tragic loss of her parents, tries to acclimate to difficult social dynamics in her new school and a curious magic that her mother may have passed down to her.
Raven Miller only just moved to Bear Creek Falls, but she already hates it. There’s a clique that has it out for her, a vice principal who keeps targeting her for dress code violations, and a cruel rumor going around that Raven is a witch who killed her parents. If it weren’t for her new friends Laurel and Hazel, she’d be lost.
The “witch” stuff would be easy to shrug off, but Raven does possess magical powers in the kitchen—the treats she makes can mysteriously change the lives of those who eat them. Though she doesn’t bake anymore—not since the accident that took her parents’ lives.
Then the clique’s bullying and the vice principal’s watchful eye intensifies. When the girls’ attempts to retaliate fall flat, Raven wonders if the magical sweets she used to make could whip up a justice so powerful it would set everything right. In order to find out, she’ll have to face the things she’s been avoiding. Can Raven rise above the pain of her past to secure a better future?
Supplemental enhancement PDF accompanies the audiobook.
Raven Miller only just moved to Bear Creek Falls, but she already hates it. There’s a clique that has it out for her, a vice principal who keeps targeting her for dress code violations, and a cruel rumor going around that Raven is a witch who killed her parents. If it weren’t for her new friends Laurel and Hazel, she’d be lost.
The “witch” stuff would be easy to shrug off, but Raven does possess magical powers in the kitchen—the treats she makes can mysteriously change the lives of those who eat them. Though she doesn’t bake anymore—not since the accident that took her parents’ lives.
Then the clique’s bullying and the vice principal’s watchful eye intensifies. When the girls’ attempts to retaliate fall flat, Raven wonders if the magical sweets she used to make could whip up a justice so powerful it would set everything right. In order to find out, she’ll have to face the things she’s been avoiding. Can Raven rise above the pain of her past to secure a better future?
Supplemental enhancement PDF accompanies the audiobook.
Audible Audio
Published July 7, 2026
About the author
Christine Hartman Derr
5 books44 followersChristine Hartman Derr is a citizen of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma. She’s a graduate from VCFA’s Writing for Children MFA program, where she won the Revisionary award, Candlewick Picture Book Prize, T.A. Barron Prize for Nature Writing, and was selected as a DEI Fellow and a Center for Arts and Social Justice Fellow. She is honored to have been a recipient of the WNDB Walter Grant for Native Creators. Her debut middle grade novel, The Witches of Bear Creek Falls, and her debut picture book, Until We Meet Again: Donadagohvi, are forthcoming from Heartdrum/HarperCollins Children’s. Find her short fiction in Just YA and Legendary Frybread Drive-In. She runs the blog Paw Prints in the Sink and has written articles for regional publications. Originally from Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, Christine lives in East Tennessee with her spouse, children, and a rambunctious crew of lovable pets with themed names.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
June 17, 2026
Raven, Rising by Christine Hartmen Derr is the coziest, sweetest upper middle grade/younger YA story I've read in...maybe ever! This book was so fun and will be a perfect fall book for younger readers.
The story follows Raven, who recently moved to a new town with her aunt shortly after her parents' deaths. Raven struggles with the loss of her parents as well as guilt in what she sees as her part in it, and at her new school, issues with a bully make life even more difficult. Oh, and there's magic! Luckily...this story has a happy ending, and it's well worth the read to get to it.
The characters in this story are incredibly diverse and I loved them all so much. Raven is Cherokee, and this book does a great job with representation and explaining the nuances of what it means to be biracial as well as addressing the challenges faced by the Cherokee and their fight to preserve their language. This is a truly unique book in that it fits right in between the genres of middle grade and young adult. It is perfect for readers in grades 7-10, but 38 year old me loved it as well. While there's not romance, this book is big on found family. It also deals with a lot of real world issues that young adults, females especially, are forced to deal with in society.
All in all, this story is cozy and sweet with the perfect amount of magic thrown in. And lots of Hocus Pocus references that made my heart so happy. The narrator, Katie Anvil Rich, has fantastic as Raven and did a great job with all of the Cherokee included in the book. I appreciate when narrators can deliver a realistic young adult performance, so I was a fan!
I've already sent this title to my school librarian as one that we need to have on shelves for our students, and I'll be recommending it to a few students already. It's a great read and I cannot recommend the audio enough.
Thanks so much to Harper Audio Children's for the opportunity to listen to this alc of Raven, Rising. This is my personal review.
The story follows Raven, who recently moved to a new town with her aunt shortly after her parents' deaths. Raven struggles with the loss of her parents as well as guilt in what she sees as her part in it, and at her new school, issues with a bully make life even more difficult. Oh, and there's magic! Luckily...this story has a happy ending, and it's well worth the read to get to it.
The characters in this story are incredibly diverse and I loved them all so much. Raven is Cherokee, and this book does a great job with representation and explaining the nuances of what it means to be biracial as well as addressing the challenges faced by the Cherokee and their fight to preserve their language. This is a truly unique book in that it fits right in between the genres of middle grade and young adult. It is perfect for readers in grades 7-10, but 38 year old me loved it as well. While there's not romance, this book is big on found family. It also deals with a lot of real world issues that young adults, females especially, are forced to deal with in society.
All in all, this story is cozy and sweet with the perfect amount of magic thrown in. And lots of Hocus Pocus references that made my heart so happy. The narrator, Katie Anvil Rich, has fantastic as Raven and did a great job with all of the Cherokee included in the book. I appreciate when narrators can deliver a realistic young adult performance, so I was a fan!
I've already sent this title to my school librarian as one that we need to have on shelves for our students, and I'll be recommending it to a few students already. It's a great read and I cannot recommend the audio enough.
Thanks so much to Harper Audio Children's for the opportunity to listen to this alc of Raven, Rising. This is my personal review.
July 3, 2026
Raven, Rising is a beautiful, heartfelt story that kept me invested from beginning to end.
Raven is bullied in part because she is Cherokee, and my heart ached for everything she had to endure. After losing both of her parents, she lives with her aunt, and I absolutely loved watching their sweet relationship deepen and grow throughout the story.
There is an exceptionally mean girl whose character development surprised me in the best way. I appreciated how thoughtfully her growth was handled.
One of my favorite parts of the book was Raven’s connection to baking. She and her mother loved baking together, but after her mother’s death, Raven boycotts baking as part of her grief. I loved how this storyline was resolved—it was touching and deeply satisfying.
The narration was outstanding and brought every emotion to life.
I highly recommend this audiobook to anyone who enjoys heartfelt stories about grief, healing, family, friendship, and finding the strength to move forward. I was blessed with an ALC. Thank you, NetGalley. The opinions expressed are my own and unbiased.
August 6, 2026
Very late review of an arc from NetGalley.
A tender, powerful story about healing, friendship, and baking with a generous dash of magic.
The witchery, baking, and the fact that Raven is Cherokee is what first interested me in the book. What I was not expecting was Raven’s activism as she combats the unfair and biased dress code in her school. That quickly became one of my favorite things about this book.
I read a lot of middle grades and I’m enjoying the recent uptick in books guiding children to question the unfair, often sexist and racist, rules enforced on them by bigoted adults and to go further by using their own voices to try to change things.
Raven has recently suffered the devastating loss of both her parents. She’s moved away from her old home to start over with her aunt, but unlike where she lived before this town doesn’t seem to have any other Cherokee people like her leaving Raven feeling out of place and alone.
Despite the heaviness of Raven’s tragedy, this is a cozy, mostly lighthearted autumnal book. The descriptions of places like the bookstore, secret gazebo, and Raven’s home are vivid and lovely. And the baking scenes have a gentle, loving warmth. It’s the perfect book for a chilly autumn day.
A tender, powerful story about healing, friendship, and baking with a generous dash of magic.
The witchery, baking, and the fact that Raven is Cherokee is what first interested me in the book. What I was not expecting was Raven’s activism as she combats the unfair and biased dress code in her school. That quickly became one of my favorite things about this book.
I read a lot of middle grades and I’m enjoying the recent uptick in books guiding children to question the unfair, often sexist and racist, rules enforced on them by bigoted adults and to go further by using their own voices to try to change things.
Raven has recently suffered the devastating loss of both her parents. She’s moved away from her old home to start over with her aunt, but unlike where she lived before this town doesn’t seem to have any other Cherokee people like her leaving Raven feeling out of place and alone.
Despite the heaviness of Raven’s tragedy, this is a cozy, mostly lighthearted autumnal book. The descriptions of places like the bookstore, secret gazebo, and Raven’s home are vivid and lovely. And the baking scenes have a gentle, loving warmth. It’s the perfect book for a chilly autumn day.
July 12, 2026
I was provided an audio ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I liked this one. It was a very fast read. I enjoyed getting to know the main character and the magic system was interesting. It spoke of heavy themes and was quite captivating. I really flew through it, I felt for the characters and really wanted to protect her. I understood her anger and I was on her side from beginning to end. I felt like the ending was a little abrupt but it was still a great middle grade book and I will be reading more books by this author.
I liked this one. It was a very fast read. I enjoyed getting to know the main character and the magic system was interesting. It spoke of heavy themes and was quite captivating. I really flew through it, I felt for the characters and really wanted to protect her. I understood her anger and I was on her side from beginning to end. I felt like the ending was a little abrupt but it was still a great middle grade book and I will be reading more books by this author.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
Raven moves from Oklahoma to Bear Creek Falls with her Aunt Coral after the death of both of her parents in a household accident that Raven believes is her fault. Since she was at her friend Jade's for a sleepover, she survived. Her father was Cherokee, and her mother was of Scottish and English descent, and Raven feels adrift from her community, especially since she has been told that she doesn't "look" Native. Even though the move has been chaotic, Coral insists that Raven start school right away, and things go badly. She gets an incomplete schedule, and runs afoul of Stella, a popular blonde girl who then makes it her mission to make Raven's life difficult. Raven misses baking, which she did with her mother, but refuses to do any now, even though ingredients "call" to her, somewhat magically. Trying to escape cinnamon at a local bakery, she happens upon a gazebo in the woods, where she meets Hazel, who is Black, and Laurel. The girls want to befriend Raven, and tell her that the gazebo might be magical. Stella's meanness increases, and in a moment of rage, Raven yells some Cherokee words at her, which Stella interprets as a curse. Classmate Will, who is also studying Tsalagi, calls Raven out on her behavior, and she apologizes. She explains that her father was interested in the language, so she's been studying it. Since there is a Fall Festival in town, and an All Hallow's Eve Ball at the school, Hazel and Laurel want Raven to enter some of her baked goods, since they are working on costumes. However, the costumes, as well as Raven's everyday outfits, run afoul of the strange and stringent dress code, creepily enforced by Mr. McKell. This covers everything from chokers to leggings as pants to hoodies, but seems inequitably enforced. With the help of the school counselor, Ms. Barton, Raven stands up for the girls at school, and also uncovers the facts that Mr. McKell doesn't have a teaching license or even a college degree! Things are better at school, and Raven continues to deal with the grief over the death of her parents as she becomes closer to Aunt Coral.
Strengths: Books about magical baking have long been popular, from Littlewood's 2012 Bliss to LaRocca's 2019 Midsummer's Mayhem to McClaren's 2025 Crumble. It's frequently an outlet for emotions, so it makes sense that Raven has a difficult relationship with the activity after her mother's death. It was good to see that there were students willing to defend her, even though Stella was not pleasant. Aunt Coral is great, and tries her best to make sure Raven is thriving, even making sure she continues online therapy with Dr. Marie. The inclusion of Cherokee culture is good to see, as is Raven's grappling with her mixed identity.
Weaknesses: The main storyline ended up being about the dress code. Since my school's dress code is basically "make sure private parts are covered" I don't think the story will resonate with my students. Stella was a stereotypical bully, and seemed to target Raven for no good reason. I would have liked to see more about the magical gazebo, which would have been much more interesting.
What I really think: This is a good choice for readers who enjoyed Farr's Margie Kelley Breaks the Dress Code or Firestone's Dress Coded.
Raven moves from Oklahoma to Bear Creek Falls with her Aunt Coral after the death of both of her parents in a household accident that Raven believes is her fault. Since she was at her friend Jade's for a sleepover, she survived. Her father was Cherokee, and her mother was of Scottish and English descent, and Raven feels adrift from her community, especially since she has been told that she doesn't "look" Native. Even though the move has been chaotic, Coral insists that Raven start school right away, and things go badly. She gets an incomplete schedule, and runs afoul of Stella, a popular blonde girl who then makes it her mission to make Raven's life difficult. Raven misses baking, which she did with her mother, but refuses to do any now, even though ingredients "call" to her, somewhat magically. Trying to escape cinnamon at a local bakery, she happens upon a gazebo in the woods, where she meets Hazel, who is Black, and Laurel. The girls want to befriend Raven, and tell her that the gazebo might be magical. Stella's meanness increases, and in a moment of rage, Raven yells some Cherokee words at her, which Stella interprets as a curse. Classmate Will, who is also studying Tsalagi, calls Raven out on her behavior, and she apologizes. She explains that her father was interested in the language, so she's been studying it. Since there is a Fall Festival in town, and an All Hallow's Eve Ball at the school, Hazel and Laurel want Raven to enter some of her baked goods, since they are working on costumes. However, the costumes, as well as Raven's everyday outfits, run afoul of the strange and stringent dress code, creepily enforced by Mr. McKell. This covers everything from chokers to leggings as pants to hoodies, but seems inequitably enforced. With the help of the school counselor, Ms. Barton, Raven stands up for the girls at school, and also uncovers the facts that Mr. McKell doesn't have a teaching license or even a college degree! Things are better at school, and Raven continues to deal with the grief over the death of her parents as she becomes closer to Aunt Coral.
Strengths: Books about magical baking have long been popular, from Littlewood's 2012 Bliss to LaRocca's 2019 Midsummer's Mayhem to McClaren's 2025 Crumble. It's frequently an outlet for emotions, so it makes sense that Raven has a difficult relationship with the activity after her mother's death. It was good to see that there were students willing to defend her, even though Stella was not pleasant. Aunt Coral is great, and tries her best to make sure Raven is thriving, even making sure she continues online therapy with Dr. Marie. The inclusion of Cherokee culture is good to see, as is Raven's grappling with her mixed identity.
Weaknesses: The main storyline ended up being about the dress code. Since my school's dress code is basically "make sure private parts are covered" I don't think the story will resonate with my students. Stella was a stereotypical bully, and seemed to target Raven for no good reason. I would have liked to see more about the magical gazebo, which would have been much more interesting.
What I really think: This is a good choice for readers who enjoyed Farr's Margie Kelley Breaks the Dress Code or Firestone's Dress Coded.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4.5 stars
This is an efficient and impactful read featuring relatable characters, mindful representation, and THE ISSUES, as most great middle grade books do. I'll be recommending this one to students enthusiastically.
Raven is living with her aunt, and they have a great life together, but the impetus for it is extremely painful. Raven's parents die from carbon monoxide poisoning while she's at a sleepover. Because she loves to bake, she's not only grappling with the loss of both of her parents, but also with unwarranted but understandable guilt (was the leak in some way caused by something she did with the oven?). The authorities have guaranteed she's not responsible, but she wonders if she'll ever be able to get back to her old self.
Along with this very heavy backstory, Raven also has the burden of being a normal kid who exhibits some differences. On the plus side, she makes wonderful friends and connects with cats. On the less positive side, folks are saying some unkind things about her and worst of all, even one of her authority figures at school has become a problem!
Though there are some sad elements of this book, it's hopeful, inspiring, and full of great empathy building moments that really help readers connect to the characters and work through some challenging circumstances. I loved how seamlessly these educational elements were woven throughout; this never feels didactic but does offer a lot of insight.
I'm looking forward to sharing and discussing this one with my students and to reading more from this author.
*Special thanks to NetGalley and Heartdrum for this arc and alc, which I received in exchange for n honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
This is an efficient and impactful read featuring relatable characters, mindful representation, and THE ISSUES, as most great middle grade books do. I'll be recommending this one to students enthusiastically.
Raven is living with her aunt, and they have a great life together, but the impetus for it is extremely painful. Raven's parents die from carbon monoxide poisoning while she's at a sleepover. Because she loves to bake, she's not only grappling with the loss of both of her parents, but also with unwarranted but understandable guilt (was the leak in some way caused by something she did with the oven?). The authorities have guaranteed she's not responsible, but she wonders if she'll ever be able to get back to her old self.
Along with this very heavy backstory, Raven also has the burden of being a normal kid who exhibits some differences. On the plus side, she makes wonderful friends and connects with cats. On the less positive side, folks are saying some unkind things about her and worst of all, even one of her authority figures at school has become a problem!
Though there are some sad elements of this book, it's hopeful, inspiring, and full of great empathy building moments that really help readers connect to the characters and work through some challenging circumstances. I loved how seamlessly these educational elements were woven throughout; this never feels didactic but does offer a lot of insight.
I'm looking forward to sharing and discussing this one with my students and to reading more from this author.
*Special thanks to NetGalley and Heartdrum for this arc and alc, which I received in exchange for n honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
July 26, 2026
The dress coding activitism was a little heavy handed throughout the story but is a good readadlike to another book called Dress Coded but also Free Period or Mascot about injustices and how teens can push back. To me, that wasn't as important to the story as was Raven's relationship with her aunt after losing her parents in a kitchen accident that she feels guilty for (though it's shared who/what was at fault) and how her Cherokee heritage and inherited magical abilities in the kitchen help her heal from this wound. The bond of the friends she finds in her new hometown with her aunt and school are the special parts of the story then it took the detour with the dress coding that I wasn't as much interested in following.
The exploration of grief and culture and family were the strongest elements (plus the baking and the ingredients speaking to her were delightful and a nice juxtaposition to her sadness).
The exploration of grief and culture and family were the strongest elements (plus the baking and the ingredients speaking to her were delightful and a nice juxtaposition to her sadness).
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Raven has had to move in with her Aunt Coral, for a very sad reason. Her parents have died, and Raven is carrying a heavy load of guilt because of this. Attempting to help the adjustment, Aunt Coral has her beginning school the day after she moves in. From the start, Raven literally gets off on the wrong foot with a popular girl and her followers, then has a run-in with the vice-principal over a dress-code violation.
Over time, Raven does make new friends, acquires a mama cat and her kittens, and even begins baking again, which she was reluctant to do after her parent’s deaths. When she begins to notice that only certain people are singled out and disciplined for school violations, Raven and some other schoolmates decide to take action…
Things I liked:
The “Girl Power!” theme
The author’s inclusion of diverse cultures; Raven is part Cherokee, and words from that language are incorporated throughout, with a glossary at the end.
Aunt Coral’s support and love of her niece in her time of grief.
The friendship that develops with Hazel and Laurel.
The cats!
*I received a digital copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.*
Over time, Raven does make new friends, acquires a mama cat and her kittens, and even begins baking again, which she was reluctant to do after her parent’s deaths. When she begins to notice that only certain people are singled out and disciplined for school violations, Raven and some other schoolmates decide to take action…
Things I liked:
The “Girl Power!” theme
The author’s inclusion of diverse cultures; Raven is part Cherokee, and words from that language are incorporated throughout, with a glossary at the end.
Aunt Coral’s support and love of her niece in her time of grief.
The friendship that develops with Hazel and Laurel.
The cats!
*I received a digital copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.*
June 25, 2026
What a truly wonderful book that delves into the reality of grief, healing, bullying, and found family. Raven is working through the grief of losing both her parents to a tragic accident, losing her love for baking (something she did with her mom, and the oven was the cause of death), while navigating a move to a small town, making new friends, and building a relationship with her aunt. We get to see Raven standing strong in her power, standing up for and fighting for rights of girls and BIPOC when the school VO unfairly targets them, and discover her magic alongside her two new friends. Mingled in we learn about the Cherokee nation that Raven is part of, how hard they are working to keep their culture and language and arts alive. The narrator did a wonderful job speaking Cherokee and bringing Ravens character to life. Bonus points for all of the hocus pocus references as well!
This is a great middle reader book to learn about diversity and ways to deal with bully’s. My 6yo really enjoyed it as well! I hope the author considers more stories about Raven and her friends.
This is a great middle reader book to learn about diversity and ways to deal with bully’s. My 6yo really enjoyed it as well! I hope the author considers more stories about Raven and her friends.
August 12, 2026
I like how the topic of the unfairness and misogyny of dress codes are brought up, as well as advocating for standing up for what’s right, even and especially if it has to be against school authority figures like Mr. McKell. This may be middle grade and therefore not as in-your-face, but you know that dude should not be around kids. How the school didn’t vet him properly before he became the vice principal is beyond me, but then again, stuff like that happens, unfortunately.
I also like how, despite that Stella was the mean girl, Raven was still a girl’s girl when she saw her being uncomfortable around the creeper McKell.
Though I will say I wish i had more backstory with what happened to Raven’s parents as well as Raven’s friendship with Jade.
I also like how, despite that Stella was the mean girl, Raven was still a girl’s girl when she saw her being uncomfortable around the creeper McKell.
Though I will say I wish i had more backstory with what happened to Raven’s parents as well as Raven’s friendship with Jade.
July 8, 2026
Wow what a beautiful book. Raven has moved to a new town after losing her parents and she is having to adjust to everything being different. She loves to bake but feels an ache of not being able to bake with her mother anymore. School is off to a shaky start with a popular girl being mean to her and the vice principal is trying to rule the school with some eccentric rules. he seems to be targeting BIPOC and the girls and it isn't fair.
Raven makes friends with Hazel and Laurel and they decide they need to fight back. Along the way the girls welcome in Raven and help her get back into her baking. I loved the little bit of magic mixed in. I liked the descriptions of the baking and smells it really made them real.
This is a great middle grade book about real topics and struggles that can happen. And how standing up for yourself and others you can make a difference.
Raven makes friends with Hazel and Laurel and they decide they need to fight back. Along the way the girls welcome in Raven and help her get back into her baking. I loved the little bit of magic mixed in. I liked the descriptions of the baking and smells it really made them real.
This is a great middle grade book about real topics and struggles that can happen. And how standing up for yourself and others you can make a difference.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I thought Raven Rising had an interesting idea and world, but it just wasn’t my favorite book. The story felt a little slow at times, and it was hard for me to stay interested all the way through.
One of the biggest challenges for me was connecting with the characters. I didn’t feel like I really understood them or related to them, which made it harder to care about what was happening in the story.
I think readers who enjoy slower-paced fantasy and detailed worlds might like this book more than I did. For me, I usually like stories where I feel more connected to the characters and where the plot moves a little faster.
Overall, it wasn’t a bad book, but it just wasn’t the right fit for me.
One of the biggest challenges for me was connecting with the characters. I didn’t feel like I really understood them or related to them, which made it harder to care about what was happening in the story.
I think readers who enjoy slower-paced fantasy and detailed worlds might like this book more than I did. For me, I usually like stories where I feel more connected to the characters and where the plot moves a little faster.
Overall, it wasn’t a bad book, but it just wasn’t the right fit for me.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
Raven feels incredible guilt over the unexpected deaths of her parents, and has given up baking, her favorite hobby with her mom. Raven and her aunt move across the country to start over. Although Raven encouraged the move, she feels disconnected from her Cherokee culture and misses her family even more. Starting at a new middle school is hard, especially when she runs up against the popular mean girl clique and the vice principal seems to have it out for her. Fortunately, she rescues some cats and makes two good friends. Together they take on the punitive nature of the dress code, with the help of a little magic they find along the way. Highly recommended for grades 4 & up.
eARC provided by publisher via Edelweiss
eARC provided by publisher via Edelweiss
August 21, 2026
I received an advance audio copy from the publisher via Netgalley for review purposes; this in no way influences my review.
I love the Heartdrum imprint of HarperCollins and reading as many stories by Indigenous voices I can. Raven, Rising is such a fantastic story of family and grief and friendship, while talking about identity and language revitalization. I loved how when Raven used the Cherokee language to pretend to put a curse on Stella, she quickly saw how that can be harmful and perpetuate harmful stereotypes. I really wanted to know more about several people in the community, but this felt like a complete story, and I loved how it showed communal action and peaceful protests can bring about change. I enjoyed this book on so many levels, and hope others enjoy it as much.
I love the Heartdrum imprint of HarperCollins and reading as many stories by Indigenous voices I can. Raven, Rising is such a fantastic story of family and grief and friendship, while talking about identity and language revitalization. I loved how when Raven used the Cherokee language to pretend to put a curse on Stella, she quickly saw how that can be harmful and perpetuate harmful stereotypes. I really wanted to know more about several people in the community, but this felt like a complete story, and I loved how it showed communal action and peaceful protests can bring about change. I enjoyed this book on so many levels, and hope others enjoy it as much.
August 23, 2026
In this slightly fantastical middle grade novel, the main character, Raven, has moved to a small town with her aunt who has gotten a new job. Her aunt has custody of her after the tragic deaths of her parents from carbon monoxide poisoning. Raven blames herself because earlier that day she had made something in the oven which was attached to the gas line that had the carbon monoxide leak. In this story, she is learning to move through her grief and accept those parts of her that she had cut off while blaming herself for her parents death. I think this book is an excellent entry into fantasy, especially for kids, whose brains are just developing the ability to think abstractly.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley and publishers for this ARC! This book was the perfect short, quick, cozy read I needed this week! It is perfect for any middle grade student who may feel like they don't fit in. This proves that you just need to find the people that lift you up! As someone who lost her mom, and had a hard time cooking again, seeing that struggle in such a young girl just made me feel even more connected with the book. Her perseverance through baking for the first time again just proves even further why Raven is such an exceptional character for young girls to read about!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for this ARC.
This was such a good story. I loved how deep and heartwarming this story is. Seeing Raven and her Aunt Coral work through their grief, seeing Raven deal with being in a new school and dealing with the injustice. I loved seeing her make new friends. I loved the magic that winds its way through the story. And I loved learning about Ravens culture and how important it was to her. This is definitely a good book to read.
This was such a good story. I loved how deep and heartwarming this story is. Seeing Raven and her Aunt Coral work through their grief, seeing Raven deal with being in a new school and dealing with the injustice. I loved seeing her make new friends. I loved the magic that winds its way through the story. And I loved learning about Ravens culture and how important it was to her. This is definitely a good book to read.
February 3, 2026
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for letting me review this book. This book is about Raven, a new girl who lives with her aunt. She’s unsure about school but life surprises her and she makes some great friends. She’s unsure and her friends decide to change the rules and say something when they see injustices at school. Even though they’re a few, people can still make a difference. I like a bit of Cherokee history and glossary included as well.
July 23, 2026
Raven Rising kept my attention from the beginning with its thoughtful story and characters I came to love very quickly.
As a YA book, it handles issues like grief, bullying, loneliness and even racism in an age appropriate manner that helps the reader learn more just by reading the story.
The narrator did a great job with tone, and pitch and really kept me in the story.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ALC.
As a YA book, it handles issues like grief, bullying, loneliness and even racism in an age appropriate manner that helps the reader learn more just by reading the story.
The narrator did a great job with tone, and pitch and really kept me in the story.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ALC.
August 11, 2026
Thank you to the author Christine, the publisher, and Goodreads for my free print copy:-) I truly enjoyed this story, the friendships Raven developed, them fighting for justice, the heart wrenching grief of being 14 and losing your parents, the magic:-) hard to believe this book is a debut, its so well written. 5 stars for sure.
August 15, 2026
I loved our characters and the exploration of grief throughout this book. Kids being able to see joy after loss is so important. That being said, I don’t think the dress code plot line added as much as I would have wanted to the story. I would have loved to see the girls’ powers explored more and for us to get more time with Stella at the end.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Gorgeous and stunning, Raven, Rising is a hopeful middle grade about grief, uprooting and finding belonging, and standing up to bullies — even when they're more powerful than you in big and scary ways. I loved it!
April 29, 2026
Raven, Rising is both a feel-good story that also doesn't shy away from sensitive topics as she navigates grief, starting over in a new town, and possibly even magic powers related to her baking skills. There's also kittens, and who could resist that? Certainly not me or Raven!
July 23, 2026
This was a lovely and fun read. I enjoyed the characters and the cozy, delicious, descriptions of baked goods. This was a surprisingly light read that covered a lot of serious topics. I enjoyed the interspersed Cherokee language and vocabulary.
August 8, 2026
Such a fun fall read. And Raven is such a great character. The story moved quickly with lots of relatable aspects for a tween girl. Magic, friendship, grief, cultural identity, bullying and standing up to creep teachers.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
This was such a sweet story about friendship, standing up for what’s right & finding your own kind of magic. Such a cozy story for fall.
Review of advance copy
3.5?
July 10, 2026
A beautiful, heartfelt story perfect for young readers looking for a little magic ;)
July 21, 2026
a heartwarming middle grade read about standing up for what you believe in no matter what
August 2, 2026
Heartwarming.
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