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Brittle Magic
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Expected 20 Oct 26Everyone in the Brittle family has a magical talent -- except Shiloh. But she's determined to unlock her own greatness in this charmingly quirky novel about family and forgiveness from Newbery Honor winner Kate O'Shaughnessy.
Nearly every member of the Brittle family has an extraordinary talent—except Shiloh.
Her aunt makes pickles that tell your fortune. Her great-aunt brews tea that gives you good dreams. Her sister can grow pumpkins the size of a small house. And her older brother—who died before Shiloh was born—had a gift no one will talk about. Her mom says Shiloh doesn’t need a talent to be special. But Shiloh knows she’s destined for greatness. And with the Brittle family reunion coming up, she’s determined to prove it to all her relatives.
When Auntie Dee’s fortune-telling pickles reveal that Shiloh does have a talent—and that it’s somehow connected to her late brother—Shiloh feels more confused than vindicated. Why would her mom have kept this from her?
The pickles’ prophesy offers cryptic clues for finding her talent—something involving an oven? and a new friend?—and Shiloh throws herself into the search. But discovering the truth about herself means digging up secrets her mom would rather keep buried.
This year’s family reunion may well be the most dramatic one yet…
Newbery Honor winner Kate O’Shaughnessy gives us a moving, magic-tinged story about family, friendship, forgiveness . . . and fortune-telling pickles!
250 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication October 20, 2026
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Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Shiloh is the only one without a talent. And yet, she should have one. It is something children inherit, in her family. Her brother can grow fruit on plants that shouldn't have any. Her mother makes sugar confections that dance. Her sister makes giant vegetables.
Before she was born, her brother, who had a hidden talent, was accidentally killed. Shiloh thinks that she has a similar talent to him, if only she could figure out what that was.
This is an interesting mystery that needs to be solved, and Shiloh goes about solving it by good old fashioned sleuthing work, and the prediction of fortune-telling pickles. There are clues as to what it might be, as we, the reader tries to figure it out as well.
This was quite an enjoyable book. Although it had magic, it didn’t seem to be out of the originary. I quite enjoyed how she solved the mystery.
Thanks to Netgalley and Random House for making this book available for an honest review. This book will be published on the 20th of October 2026.
Before she was born, her brother, who had a hidden talent, was accidentally killed. Shiloh thinks that she has a similar talent to him, if only she could figure out what that was.
This is an interesting mystery that needs to be solved, and Shiloh goes about solving it by good old fashioned sleuthing work, and the prediction of fortune-telling pickles. There are clues as to what it might be, as we, the reader tries to figure it out as well.
This was quite an enjoyable book. Although it had magic, it didn’t seem to be out of the originary. I quite enjoyed how she solved the mystery.
Thanks to Netgalley and Random House for making this book available for an honest review. This book will be published on the 20th of October 2026.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Shiloh was born without a magical talent. In a family where everyone gets one. Her twin can revive any plant, her aunt makes pickles that can tell your fortune and her mom makes sugar sculptures that can move. Then the pickles reveal that Shiloh does have a talent, and that it's related to her older brother's talent. A brother that died before Shiloh was born, and that nobody talks about. She's given hints at what she needs to do, to have her talent revealed. And with a family reunion on the horizon, Shiloh's ready to sort everything out and prove to her family that she belongs.
Why I started this book: Requested this ARC because of the blurb, but then ignored it for months. Picked it up, so that I could finish it before its publication date.
Why I finished it: This book was a warm hug and a nudge to grow and become a better person. AND a good story. I adored it. And I immediately bought every other book that O'Shaughnessy wrote. I can't wait to hand this to kids at the library.
Why I started this book: Requested this ARC because of the blurb, but then ignored it for months. Picked it up, so that I could finish it before its publication date.
Why I finished it: This book was a warm hug and a nudge to grow and become a better person. AND a good story. I adored it. And I immediately bought every other book that O'Shaughnessy wrote. I can't wait to hand this to kids at the library.
Want to Read
July 21, 2026Is this not the plotline of Encanto?
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Brittle Magic by Kate O’Shaughnessy is an engaging middle-grade magical realism novel. At the heart of the story is Shiloh whose older brother passed away after he was pushed down a set of stairs before she and her twin brother were born. Her family refuses to talk about him and what happened and as a result, Shiloh’s mother has become overprotective and her father, while very caring for his family, is fairly disengaged from life.
Complicating this scenario is everyone in her family has talent aka magic except Shiloh who has spent years trying to figure out what hers is. In her quest to do this, she suspects her ability to figure it out is linked to her deceased brother and whatever happened to him. As she pursues both, she pushes and renegotiates not only her boundaries but those of her family’s as well.
Shiloh is a persistent and determined character. As she tries to figure out exactly the story behind her deceased brother’s life and death, she realizes her parents, by keeping the information and their feelings locked up, are still struggling and she ultimately wants to help them deal with the grief and heal as much as she wants the answers for herself.
Shiloh’s character growth is easy to see. There is a maturing process that takes place and it mostly shows up in her relationships with her twin brother, older sister, and the new girl in town. However, she didn’t feel very genuine to me. As I read I kept having to remind myself that this was twelve year old girl, not a teenager. It was her dialogue when interacting with her parents; it didn’t always feel authentic for a twelve-year-old. A good example of this is towards the end when she and her mother have the clearing-of-the air conversation just as the family reunion is starting. It felt very much like Shiloh was the adult and her mom was the angsty teenager.
I really appreciate the way O’Shaughnessy weaves magic into the story as an everyday occurrence. The people in town who don’t know what is special about Shiloh’s family simply accept the talents that make each family member unique rather than questioning them. That approach makes the magical elements feel natural within the story.
At the core, Brittle Magic is a story about grief, family, secrets, and healing. Readers who have experienced the loss of someone they love—or who are working through complex family emotions—may find a lot to connect with here. Despite my criticism of Shiloh’s voice and interactions with some of her family, I still recommend this novel for its ability to engage the reader and its thoughtful exploration of grief, healing, and family.
Thank you to Netgalley and Random House Children's Books for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
Complicating this scenario is everyone in her family has talent aka magic except Shiloh who has spent years trying to figure out what hers is. In her quest to do this, she suspects her ability to figure it out is linked to her deceased brother and whatever happened to him. As she pursues both, she pushes and renegotiates not only her boundaries but those of her family’s as well.
Shiloh is a persistent and determined character. As she tries to figure out exactly the story behind her deceased brother’s life and death, she realizes her parents, by keeping the information and their feelings locked up, are still struggling and she ultimately wants to help them deal with the grief and heal as much as she wants the answers for herself.
Shiloh’s character growth is easy to see. There is a maturing process that takes place and it mostly shows up in her relationships with her twin brother, older sister, and the new girl in town. However, she didn’t feel very genuine to me. As I read I kept having to remind myself that this was twelve year old girl, not a teenager. It was her dialogue when interacting with her parents; it didn’t always feel authentic for a twelve-year-old. A good example of this is towards the end when she and her mother have the clearing-of-the air conversation just as the family reunion is starting. It felt very much like Shiloh was the adult and her mom was the angsty teenager.
I really appreciate the way O’Shaughnessy weaves magic into the story as an everyday occurrence. The people in town who don’t know what is special about Shiloh’s family simply accept the talents that make each family member unique rather than questioning them. That approach makes the magical elements feel natural within the story.
At the core, Brittle Magic is a story about grief, family, secrets, and healing. Readers who have experienced the loss of someone they love—or who are working through complex family emotions—may find a lot to connect with here. Despite my criticism of Shiloh’s voice and interactions with some of her family, I still recommend this novel for its ability to engage the reader and its thoughtful exploration of grief, healing, and family.
Thank you to Netgalley and Random House Children's Books for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
*I received a free ARC from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review*
There is no denying/avoiding the comparisons to Encanto - family with magical powers, a young girl who desperately wants to find out what her power is but seems to have none, family trauma - but that really should not stop people from picking up this book. It is not just about Shiloh seeking out what her power/talent is, but also about finding out the full story behind the tragic death of her older brother, growing up and apart from Sammy, finding new friends, and learning to forgive others. I really appreciated how Shiloh started to recognize how her brother's death has isolated her parents (both from the world and one another) and then getting to see how they start to expand their worlds again as they continue to heal. It is not that Jason's death was brushed over, just that it did not weigh so heavily. Part of the story is also about how Shiloh and Sammy's relationship was shifting as they were getting older - meeting new friends, trying new things - and how they were able to make room for these changes in their lives without losing their connection. Her power/talent might be tied to pies, but it is really about just taking the time to sit down and not just talk, but listen, to others. This book can also offer opportunities to discuss with younger readers about what forgiveness means and how sometimes we need to forgive ourselves.
There is no denying/avoiding the comparisons to Encanto - family with magical powers, a young girl who desperately wants to find out what her power is but seems to have none, family trauma - but that really should not stop people from picking up this book. It is not just about Shiloh seeking out what her power/talent is, but also about finding out the full story behind the tragic death of her older brother, growing up and apart from Sammy, finding new friends, and learning to forgive others. I really appreciated how Shiloh started to recognize how her brother's death has isolated her parents (both from the world and one another) and then getting to see how they start to expand their worlds again as they continue to heal. It is not that Jason's death was brushed over, just that it did not weigh so heavily. Part of the story is also about how Shiloh and Sammy's relationship was shifting as they were getting older - meeting new friends, trying new things - and how they were able to make room for these changes in their lives without losing their connection. Her power/talent might be tied to pies, but it is really about just taking the time to sit down and not just talk, but listen, to others. This book can also offer opportunities to discuss with younger readers about what forgiveness means and how sometimes we need to forgive ourselves.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I flew through this book! Kate O’Shaughnessy’s writing is so easy to read, and I always have a soft spot for cozy magical stories and middle grade books.
Shiloh was a very relatable main character, and I loved the friendly small-town setting. The magic was whimsical and fun with things like the fortune-telling pickles lol. It gave me a little bit of Encanto vibes with the magical family and the themes of finding your place.
While the story is mainly lighthearted and cozy, it also explores heavier topics like sibling loss, sibling rivalry, grief, self-esteem, and self-worth in a thoughtful, age-appropriate way.
I’m excited to read more from this author, and I have to mention that the cover is so cute!
One thing I personally would have liked to know going in: one of the main characters, Shiloh’s twin Sam, has a crush on another boy. If that’s something you prefer to know before picking up a book/middle grade book, just be aware it’s included. It wasn’t a major focus of the story, but I know some readers appreciate knowing that ahead of time.
Overall, this was a charming, heartwarming, magical read that left me smiling, and I’d definitely recommend it to anyone who enjoys cozy middle grade fantasy.
Thank you netgalley for the ARC :)
Shiloh was a very relatable main character, and I loved the friendly small-town setting. The magic was whimsical and fun with things like the fortune-telling pickles lol. It gave me a little bit of Encanto vibes with the magical family and the themes of finding your place.
While the story is mainly lighthearted and cozy, it also explores heavier topics like sibling loss, sibling rivalry, grief, self-esteem, and self-worth in a thoughtful, age-appropriate way.
I’m excited to read more from this author, and I have to mention that the cover is so cute!
One thing I personally would have liked to know going in: one of the main characters, Shiloh’s twin Sam, has a crush on another boy. If that’s something you prefer to know before picking up a book/middle grade book, just be aware it’s included. It wasn’t a major focus of the story, but I know some readers appreciate knowing that ahead of time.
Overall, this was a charming, heartwarming, magical read that left me smiling, and I’d definitely recommend it to anyone who enjoys cozy middle grade fantasy.
Thank you netgalley for the ARC :)
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Shiloh Brittle KNOWS that she has to have a magical talent - after all, everyone else does! But no matter what she does to try to figure it out, she just doesn't seem to have one. And while other family members commiserate and support that it might still happen, her mother is convinced that she's just going to stay talentless. When one of Shiloh's aunt's magic pickles suggests that Shiloh does have a talent out there somewhere, Shiloh dives headfirst into figuring it out once and for all. Add in a new friend (who might not want to be friends), a family secret surrounding the death of her older brother, and a family reunion on the horizon and you have an adventure that readers of all ages will delight in.
The characters that Kate O'Shaughnessy has created are fun and relatable - young readers will see themselves in the kids in book and understand what they are going through. The magical realism is just the right amount - not too much to make it pure fantasy but enough to make it enjoyable. Shiloh's family is warm and caring, with some secrets that are have to be unraveled in order to wrap up the story. I think that readers will really enjoy the world that has been created and the storyline that is written.
The characters that Kate O'Shaughnessy has created are fun and relatable - young readers will see themselves in the kids in book and understand what they are going through. The magical realism is just the right amount - not too much to make it pure fantasy but enough to make it enjoyable. Shiloh's family is warm and caring, with some secrets that are have to be unraveled in order to wrap up the story. I think that readers will really enjoy the world that has been created and the storyline that is written.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
E ARC provided by Netgalley
Shiloh Brittle Walker lives with her parents, older sister Judith, twin brother Sammy, and a variety of secrets. The most open one is that everyone in the Brittle clan has a touch of magic. Her mother runs a bakery called Sugarplum, and makes sugar butterflies that fly, and other magical treats, excusing their movement by saying the sugar is engineered. Judith can grow enormous pumpkins, and Sammy can heal plants. Shiloh doesn't have any talent, and her older brother, Jason, who passed away when he was twelve, had a talent that was not discussed. His room remains locked and untouched, and Shiloh's mother will not discuss him. Shiloh keeps trying to discover her own talent, and even visits her Aunt Delilah, who can tell fortunes with pickles. The reading leads her to befriend Isabel, who moves to town with her father. Isabel is homeschooled, but Shiloh insists on visiting her house and hanging out, based on the fortune. She is also increasingly interested in Jason's fate, thinking that knowing about him will help her understand her talent. She's at odds with Sammy because he is hanging out with a classmate who can help him connect to a boy he has a crush on, and the two even sleep in separate rooms because they can't get past their fight. When Shiloh snoops in Jason's room and steals mail addressed to her mother, she uncovers information about Jason's death, and confronts her parents to finally explain it to her and help her make peace with the past. Her mother is so angry that she cancels a big, planned family reunion. Can Shiloh figure out what happened to her brother, and discover her magical talent?
This was a fun book with magical realism that would be great for collections where Stewart, Erin. The Mysterious Magic of Lighthouse Lane, Myracle's Incredibly Penelope, or Cherrywell's The Ink Witch are popular. Younger readers who secretly believe they might have a magical talent will identify with Shiloh and her attempts at finding something that gives her that "maple syrup" warm feeling of being magical. The family dynamics will hold the attention of older readers, especially with the cast of interesting characters and the friendship between Shiloh and Isabel.
O'Shaughnessy's Lasagna Means I Love You was quite an interesting read, and her Newbery Honor book, The Wrong Way Home has been VERY popular with my students. The focus on Jason's death made this book a great deal sadder and slower than it could have been, and it was hard to believe that the mother would have kept so many secrets from so many people.
Shiloh Brittle Walker lives with her parents, older sister Judith, twin brother Sammy, and a variety of secrets. The most open one is that everyone in the Brittle clan has a touch of magic. Her mother runs a bakery called Sugarplum, and makes sugar butterflies that fly, and other magical treats, excusing their movement by saying the sugar is engineered. Judith can grow enormous pumpkins, and Sammy can heal plants. Shiloh doesn't have any talent, and her older brother, Jason, who passed away when he was twelve, had a talent that was not discussed. His room remains locked and untouched, and Shiloh's mother will not discuss him. Shiloh keeps trying to discover her own talent, and even visits her Aunt Delilah, who can tell fortunes with pickles. The reading leads her to befriend Isabel, who moves to town with her father. Isabel is homeschooled, but Shiloh insists on visiting her house and hanging out, based on the fortune. She is also increasingly interested in Jason's fate, thinking that knowing about him will help her understand her talent. She's at odds with Sammy because he is hanging out with a classmate who can help him connect to a boy he has a crush on, and the two even sleep in separate rooms because they can't get past their fight. When Shiloh snoops in Jason's room and steals mail addressed to her mother, she uncovers information about Jason's death, and confronts her parents to finally explain it to her and help her make peace with the past. Her mother is so angry that she cancels a big, planned family reunion. Can Shiloh figure out what happened to her brother, and discover her magical talent?
This was a fun book with magical realism that would be great for collections where Stewart, Erin. The Mysterious Magic of Lighthouse Lane, Myracle's Incredibly Penelope, or Cherrywell's The Ink Witch are popular. Younger readers who secretly believe they might have a magical talent will identify with Shiloh and her attempts at finding something that gives her that "maple syrup" warm feeling of being magical. The family dynamics will hold the attention of older readers, especially with the cast of interesting characters and the friendship between Shiloh and Isabel.
O'Shaughnessy's Lasagna Means I Love You was quite an interesting read, and her Newbery Honor book, The Wrong Way Home has been VERY popular with my students. The focus on Jason's death made this book a great deal sadder and slower than it could have been, and it was hard to believe that the mother would have kept so many secrets from so many people.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A charming older middle grades book! Twelve year old Shiloh knows that she was born for greatness, like all of her Brittle family members. Every Brittle family member has a special, magical talent, except Shiloh. Her determination to discover her talent leads her to a new friend, creates tension at home since her mother parents refuse to talk about the son they had that was killed when he was 12 (just before Shiloh and her twin brother Sammy's birth), and Shiloh & her twin brother Sammy have their first ever falling out.
Brittle Magic is full of whimsical moments, struggles to discover your strengths, healing, and forgiveness. Shiloh's attempts to discover her magical talent will have you shaking with laughter.
This is s perfect book to read along with your middle grader as you discuss life lessons like death, grief, forgiving yourself and others, and how grief/depression can affect not only your life, but also the lives of those you love.
Brittle Magic is full of whimsical moments, struggles to discover your strengths, healing, and forgiveness. Shiloh's attempts to discover her magical talent will have you shaking with laughter.
This is s perfect book to read along with your middle grader as you discuss life lessons like death, grief, forgiving yourself and others, and how grief/depression can affect not only your life, but also the lives of those you love.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is a two-pronged middle-grade story. First prong is ever so cool, Shiloh's family, the Brittles, all possess some magical ability. Mom can make sugar decorations animate. Aunt tells fortunes using pickles. But Shiloh is still searching for her magic power. Her Mom says she doesn't have one, but Shiloh doesn't believe she could be the ONLY person in the whole Brittle clan without any magic.
Second prong is less fun. Shiloh's brother died a few years ago, and the family has never gotten over the loss. Her brother is never talked about, his room is locked up, and no one except Mom even knows what his talent was. Navigating this deep loss, and finding ways to move the family forward, is a big part of Shiloh's motivation.
Throw in sibling rivalry and companionship, new friends, a big fall festival, lots of character development, and you have a winner of a tale.
Second prong is less fun. Shiloh's brother died a few years ago, and the family has never gotten over the loss. Her brother is never talked about, his room is locked up, and no one except Mom even knows what his talent was. Navigating this deep loss, and finding ways to move the family forward, is a big part of Shiloh's motivation.
Throw in sibling rivalry and companionship, new friends, a big fall festival, lots of character development, and you have a winner of a tale.
August 30, 2026
A family secret, magical pickles, and a determined young girl lead to an incredible story of family and discovery.
The story follows Shiloh, a young girl who is part of the Brittle family...a family filled with people who have special, magical talents. Well...all except for Shiloh. Shiloh knows deep in her heart that she has a talent; she just needs to uncover it. Readers are thrown into her determined nature right as the story begins. And her determination never stops. With the help of a new friend, some magical pickles, and the need to find out the truth, Brittle Magic brings readers on an emotional rollercoaster of grief, forgiveness, and believing in one's self.
Recommended for lovers of Encanto!
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Children's Books | Knopf Books for Young Readers for the eARC!
The story follows Shiloh, a young girl who is part of the Brittle family...a family filled with people who have special, magical talents. Well...all except for Shiloh. Shiloh knows deep in her heart that she has a talent; she just needs to uncover it. Readers are thrown into her determined nature right as the story begins. And her determination never stops. With the help of a new friend, some magical pickles, and the need to find out the truth, Brittle Magic brings readers on an emotional rollercoaster of grief, forgiveness, and believing in one's self.
Recommended for lovers of Encanto!
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Children's Books | Knopf Books for Young Readers for the eARC!
September 18, 2026
This was a really sweet story about a 12 year old girl named Shiloh who is trying to determine what her special power may be. She also wants to know about her brother who passed away and why no one will talk about it. On her search for answers, she matures and comes to understand the importance of true family connections. She also makes some new friends along the way.
Shiloh was a likable character and it was easy to become vested in her story. The family talents were quirky and amusing and added some fun to the book. The setting was a small town and easy to visualize.
This definitely is a book I could have seen being one of my favorites growing up. I could see a lot of older elementary and pre-teens enjoying it and being able to relate to it in some way.
Thank you to #NetGalley for an eARC in exchange for honest feedback.
Shiloh was a likable character and it was easy to become vested in her story. The family talents were quirky and amusing and added some fun to the book. The setting was a small town and easy to visualize.
This definitely is a book I could have seen being one of my favorites growing up. I could see a lot of older elementary and pre-teens enjoying it and being able to relate to it in some way.
Thank you to #NetGalley for an eARC in exchange for honest feedback.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The premise of this book is very heavy but the content can be relatable for those who are struggling with grief and forgiveness.
The main character's brother was pushed down a set of stairs as a child and passed away. Her family refuses to discuss the issue and has become overprotective. Our female main character, Shiloh, is determined to solve the mystery and discover her own personal talent in the process. Shiloh's perseverance and determination are admirable in that she wants not only herself to be able to heal from the traumatic experience, but she wants her entire family to heal. The young characters discuss their crushes and her brother Sammy, talks about how he has a crush another boy. This powerful story not only relates to readers on healing journeys themselves, but shows a powerful lesson of forgiveness.
The main character's brother was pushed down a set of stairs as a child and passed away. Her family refuses to discuss the issue and has become overprotective. Our female main character, Shiloh, is determined to solve the mystery and discover her own personal talent in the process. Shiloh's perseverance and determination are admirable in that she wants not only herself to be able to heal from the traumatic experience, but she wants her entire family to heal. The young characters discuss their crushes and her brother Sammy, talks about how he has a crush another boy. This powerful story not only relates to readers on healing journeys themselves, but shows a powerful lesson of forgiveness.
August 14, 2026
Brittle Magic is the most magical endearing coming-of-age story I have read in quite some time. Shiloh's family, near and extended, are each holder of a magical talent, but she is struggling to find hers. On top of magic related struggles there is a family tragedy impacting Shiloh's family as a whole, each family member coping with their loss in a different way but leaving Shiloh to cope with the loss while navigating through her struggles with magic. When Shiloh realizes that she is going to have to confront her past to move forward with her present the story that unfolds is one of mystery but also an emotional one. While a book for middle grade adults can truly enjoy this story as well, I did!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A charming, magic‑tinged tale about finding your place in a family overflowing with extraordinary talents. Shiloh’s quest to uncover her own gift — sparked by Auntie Dee’s fortune‑telling pickles and tied to the brother she never met — is both funny and deeply moving. As she follows cryptic clues, makes a new friend, and digs into secrets her mother would rather keep hidden, the Brittle family reunion becomes a whirlwind of emotion, discovery, and drama.
Sweet, heartfelt, and full of whimsical touches, this is a lovely story about family, forgiveness, and believing you’re special long before the magic shows up.
First time reading from the author, and I really enjoyed the book. Thank you, NetGalley, for an honest review.
Sweet, heartfelt, and full of whimsical touches, this is a lovely story about family, forgiveness, and believing you’re special long before the magic shows up.
First time reading from the author, and I really enjoyed the book. Thank you, NetGalley, for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I had trouble putting down this middle grade about a magical family, except for Shiloh. While her older sister can grow giant produce and her twin heal plants, Shiloh can't do anything a regular kid couldn't. But she just knows she's got to have a magical power, and that it's somehow connected to the death of her older brother, whom she never met.
It's got a cozy feel yet deals with murder and incarceration. It does so gently and with a lot of grace, but still tough topics. My one complaint was the mom just didn't feel realistic. And her turnaround felt too fast, though I understand why. I think I had that issue with the other book I read by this author, The Wrong Way Home. Still, a wonderful read, that I'd highly recommend.
It's got a cozy feel yet deals with murder and incarceration. It does so gently and with a lot of grace, but still tough topics. My one complaint was the mom just didn't feel realistic. And her turnaround felt too fast, though I understand why. I think I had that issue with the other book I read by this author, The Wrong Way Home. Still, a wonderful read, that I'd highly recommend.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
📚ARC REVIEW 📚
📆PUB DATE: October 19, 2026
This was a lovely read. I like books with magical realism but more than that, I really enjoyed the mystery aspect around Jason's death. This book does deal with emotionally heavy themes such as death, grief, and forgiveness, but doesn't feel overly heavy—very age appropriate.
It also explores themes that many middle grade readers will find relatable such as jealousy, sibling rivalry and making new friends.
One of the twins, Sammy, is a boy who likes boys. So just be aware there is also LGBTQ+ themes.
🙏Thank you Netgalley, Random House Children's Books and Kate O'Shaughnessy for the ARC.🙏
📆PUB DATE: October 19, 2026
This was a lovely read. I like books with magical realism but more than that, I really enjoyed the mystery aspect around Jason's death. This book does deal with emotionally heavy themes such as death, grief, and forgiveness, but doesn't feel overly heavy—very age appropriate.
It also explores themes that many middle grade readers will find relatable such as jealousy, sibling rivalry and making new friends.
One of the twins, Sammy, is a boy who likes boys. So just be aware there is also LGBTQ+ themes.
🙏Thank you Netgalley, Random House Children's Books and Kate O'Shaughnessy for the ARC.🙏
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
My 9 year old absolutely loved this book. The magical talents in the Brittle family were so creative, especially the fortune telling pickles, and she couldn't wait to see what would happen next. Shiloh was a wonderful main character to cheer for, and the family mystery kept the pages turning.
This is a fun, heartfelt story filled with magic, family, friendship, and just the right amount of mystery. My child finished it wanting to talk about her favorite parts, and we would happily recommend it to other middle grade readers.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
This is a fun, heartfelt story filled with magic, family, friendship, and just the right amount of mystery. My child finished it wanting to talk about her favorite parts, and we would happily recommend it to other middle grade readers.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
“Brittle Magic” is a gem of a book, and my rating is 5 stars. Thank you to the author, the publisher, and to NetGalley for the opportunity to read an ARC of this title.
Even as a twin, Shiloh feels alone. Everyone who is born into her family has a special gift, except for her. She is determined to find her gift, in spite of her mother’s insistence that she is without one.
Shiloh learns and grows, and it is wonderful to watch her come into herself. Struggles and obstacles abound on her path, but she persists. I adored all of the characters in this book, and hope that it becomes a series, with each family member getting their own novel and opportunity to shine.
Highly recommend!
Even as a twin, Shiloh feels alone. Everyone who is born into her family has a special gift, except for her. She is determined to find her gift, in spite of her mother’s insistence that she is without one.
Shiloh learns and grows, and it is wonderful to watch her come into herself. Struggles and obstacles abound on her path, but she persists. I adored all of the characters in this book, and hope that it becomes a series, with each family member getting their own novel and opportunity to shine.
Highly recommend!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Brittle Magic by Kate O'Shaughnessy tells the story of Shiloh, the one Brittle who doesn't seem to have a talent. She has tried everything to get her talent to come out but has had no luck. H er mother won't tell her and just wants to keep her safe but her Aunt gives her a pickle reading (her talent) and as Shiloh tries to make sense she makes a new friend. This is a very good book and keeps ones interest throughout. As Shiloh makes her way through the clues she was given, a lot becomes clearer in her family. This is a very good book for middle grades in that it covers many of the problems they might be having.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I read this to my 10 year old daughter and we both loved it! It was definitely more emotional than I expected, but the content was age appropriate for a 10 year old and up. Shiloh is a headstrong 12 year old in a family that has special talents. She doesn’t have talent, but is convinced there is a hidden talent somewhere inside her! In her quest to find her talent, she uncovers family secrets, forcing her family to face some very challenging topics! My daughter and I cried, laughed, and really enjoyed this read!
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Children’s Books for an advanced digital copy!
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Children’s Books for an advanced digital copy!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Shiloh is the only member of her family without a cool power (like growing giant vegetables or talking to eagles) and it’s killing her. She’s pretty sure her mom knows what her ability is but is refusing to share it thanks to the massive overprotective streak she developed after Shiloh’s brother Jason died. At the urging of some prophetic pickles, Shiloh is determined to finally find out the truth about her brother and her power. This requires fighting with half her family, making a new friend, confronting trauma, and a ton of baked goods. Sweet as pie for a book that grapples with grief and growing up. Thanks Netgalley.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Thanks to Random House Children's Books/Knopf Books for Young Readers for the ARC.
Kate O'Shaughnessy write the most perfect Middle Grade books. I do NOT like any sort of magical realism but somehow she even made me like the little bit that it's in this book. She covers some heavy topics but does them in a developmentally appropriate way every time! Love the characters, the story, the whole package and middle school kids are going to love it too!! Am worried that cover is too young for the right audience.
Kate O'Shaughnessy write the most perfect Middle Grade books. I do NOT like any sort of magical realism but somehow she even made me like the little bit that it's in this book. She covers some heavy topics but does them in a developmentally appropriate way every time! Love the characters, the story, the whole package and middle school kids are going to love it too!! Am worried that cover is too young for the right audience.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Brittle Magic by Kate O'Shaughnessy
Members of the Brittle family have special magical “gifts” — gardening, cooking, seeing, beyond the norm — but it appears that Shiloh may not. Family secrets and school woes, including lack of friends, make her sense of loss even worse, but family and friends help her find a way to appreciate herself and family. This is a charming book with lessons about courage, honesty, love and forgiveness . . . and fun. It’s a middle school title, but worthwhile for adults as well.
Members of the Brittle family have special magical “gifts” — gardening, cooking, seeing, beyond the norm — but it appears that Shiloh may not. Family secrets and school woes, including lack of friends, make her sense of loss even worse, but family and friends help her find a way to appreciate herself and family. This is a charming book with lessons about courage, honesty, love and forgiveness . . . and fun. It’s a middle school title, but worthwhile for adults as well.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you NetGalley & publisher for the ARC.
This story is heartfelt, whimsical, and full of fall magic. It follows Shiloh, who is the only person in her family not born with a magical talent, as she sets out to discover her Brittle talent before their family reunion. There are prophesying pickles, dream-causing teas, and hidden secrets. At its core, this is a story about family, forgiveness, and facing grief head-on together.
The skeleton and premise of this story is reminiscent of Encanto, sure; however, it has its own feel and carries its own message.
This story is heartfelt, whimsical, and full of fall magic. It follows Shiloh, who is the only person in her family not born with a magical talent, as she sets out to discover her Brittle talent before their family reunion. There are prophesying pickles, dream-causing teas, and hidden secrets. At its core, this is a story about family, forgiveness, and facing grief head-on together.
The skeleton and premise of this story is reminiscent of Encanto, sure; however, it has its own feel and carries its own message.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
If your aunt can tell the future with her magic pickles and your sister grows vegetables quadruple their normal size, then special powers are in your DNA,right? Shiloh’s family is lightly sprinkled in magic, but her “special talent” is still a mystery as well as the circumstances surrounding her older brother’s death. Shiloh’s inner voice felt sincere, nuanced and realistic while dealing with the complexity of her sibling’s death. The mysteries kept me turning the pages but now that I’ve finished I wish the book was twice as long.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you Random House Children's Books, Knopf Books for Young Readers, and NetGalley for the ARC. This story has an intriguing concept centered around magical abilities, but I wish those elements had been explored more. Instead, the story focuses on heavy emotional themes. The slow pacing made it difficult to stay fully engaged, but the story is well told. Overall, it's a thoughtful, emotional read that will appeal to readers who enjoy character-driven stories.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book caught me by surprise with how tender and gorgeous it was, and I shouldn't have been surprised at all from O'Shaughnessy. I love the mundane and sometimes whimsical magic of the premise (I truly wish I could tell fortunes via pickles), and I love how real Shiloh feels--deeply flawed but with a very good heart in the way of, I think, most twelve-year-olds. What really blew me away was the centrality of forgiveness and the importance of second chances. Just achingly lovely.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Kate has a way of masterfully weaving endearing characters with a plot that draws readers in. Brittle Magic is no exception. Another masterpiece the is phenomenal for middle grade readers. It has sibling rivalry, friendship, character growth, and a hint of mystery.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Brittle Magic is a tale full of heart, friendship, family, self-discovery, and forgiveness. I thoroughly enjoyed this, even as a middle grade. Now I want yo know what my magical talent would be if I was a member of the Brittle family.
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