Lily Leticia Langford and the Book of Practical Magic

by Mikki Sadil

Lily Leticia is in Trouble. Deep Trouble. Of course, that shouldn’t be too surprising. She is only eleven years old, has an IQ of 160, and is in high school. Her classmates ignore her, because, after all, she should still be in elementary school. Kids her own age ignore her, because, after all, she is somewhat of a freak.


Unfortunately, Trouble just seems to follow Lily Leticia around…with only a little help from her. Now, however, Lily Leticia has found an old book, one that her Native American friend, Joseph Spotted Elk, has told her to put back immediately in the trunk where she found it. He claims there are Indian spirits in the book, that it is ancient magic, and she should not even be touching it. Magic? Combined with an IQ higher than most of her teachers? This is right up Lily Leticia’s alley! If she ever thought she was in Trouble before The Book, it was nothing compared to the Trouble she’s going to be in.

175 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 8, 2015

About the author

I was born on a ranch in Texas, and raised in the military, which means I was raised all over the US and in several foreign countries. I sang professionally in Musical Theatre for several years, and have been a professional artist for more than 30 years. During the 'artistic' time of my life, I also taught the Sociology of Criminal Behavior and Statistics and Methodology to junior and senior university students. My husband and I built a ranch, and bred and trained Appaloosa horses for the Show ring. We are now retired and live on the Central Coast of California with our quizzical Corgi, fat Siamese/Hymalayan cat, and bossy African Grey Parrot.

I have written short stories most of my life, and in recent years have published more than 30 short stories and non-fiction articles for kids, 10 to 14. The Freedom Thief is my debut novel.

Reviews

[Susan Bernhardt · Rating 5 out of 5]

A captivating magical story. - This is the third YA novel that I have read by the talented, Mikki Sadil. Lily Leticia Langford and The Book of Practical Magic is about an eleven year old girl with an IQ of 160 who is placed in the ninth grade. She and her friends come upon a mysterious, old book in the family's forbidden attic, a book that is a disaster waiting to happen. And it is with this book that Lily Leticia performs what she calls her "Practical Magic."

The novel takes the reader on a magical ride that deals with friendships, family relationships, bullying, and trouble. Lots and lots of trouble.

As with Ms. Sadil's first two novels, all of the characters are well-drawn as are the vivid descriptions. This fast moving story captivated me from the start, always wondering what was going to happen next through the many twists and turns, to its surprise ending.

I hope there will be a sequel to this novel.