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Copper Magic
Can an unearthed talisman found on the shores of Lake Michigan save 12-year-old Violet’s fractured family? Exploring themes of Native American culture, ecology, and conservation, this historical fiction novel comes brilliantly to life.
The year is 1906, and twelve-year-old Violet Blake unearths an ancient talisman—a copper hand—beside the stream where her mother used to harvest medicine. Violet’s touch warms the copper hand and it begins to reveal glimpses of another time. Violet is certain that the copper hand is magic—and if anyone is in need of its powers, it’s Violet. Her mother and adored baby brother are gone, perhaps never to return. Her heartbroken father can’t seem to sustain the failing farm on the outskirts of Pigeon Harbor, on the shores of Lake Michigan.
Surely the magic of the copper hand can make things right for Violet and restore her fractured family. Violet makes a wish. But her ignorant carelessness unleashes formidable powers—and her attempts to control them jeopardizes not only herself, but the entire town of Pigeon Harbor.
In Copper Magic, land and waters are alive with memories, intentions, and impulses. Magic alters Violet and brings her gifts—but not always the kind she thinks she needs. First-time author Julia Mary Gibson brings Violet and her community to life in this impressive and assured debut.
The year is 1906, and twelve-year-old Violet Blake unearths an ancient talisman—a copper hand—beside the stream where her mother used to harvest medicine. Violet’s touch warms the copper hand and it begins to reveal glimpses of another time. Violet is certain that the copper hand is magic—and if anyone is in need of its powers, it’s Violet. Her mother and adored baby brother are gone, perhaps never to return. Her heartbroken father can’t seem to sustain the failing farm on the outskirts of Pigeon Harbor, on the shores of Lake Michigan.
Surely the magic of the copper hand can make things right for Violet and restore her fractured family. Violet makes a wish. But her ignorant carelessness unleashes formidable powers—and her attempts to control them jeopardizes not only herself, but the entire town of Pigeon Harbor.
In Copper Magic, land and waters are alive with memories, intentions, and impulses. Magic alters Violet and brings her gifts—but not always the kind she thinks she needs. First-time author Julia Mary Gibson brings Violet and her community to life in this impressive and assured debut.
1 pages, Audio CD
First published July 1, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
May 27, 2014
In Copper Magic, twelve-year-old Violet Blake is digging by a stream near her house in Michigan and finds a "talisman" -- a copper hand that she comes to call "the Hand." Violet feels that this hand has some kind of power. She thinks she can use it to make wishes come true. Course, her first wish (for a new dress) does come true (actually she gets TWO new dresses), so she's thinking about how she'll use it to get her mom and little brother back home. Her mother is half Odawa.
Well, it turns out there was more than just that copper hand in the spot where Violet was digging. There's also a skeleton there that is dug up (another kid finds it), reassembled, and displayed as a curiosity in a local hotel.
Cue some fake Hollywood Indian music...
Can't be messing around in them Indian burial grounds, right?! We've seen THAT enough times in movies and TV shows to know that messing with bones and artifacts means bad things are gonna happen. And of course, bad things happen to the people in Copper Magic. Lots of bad things. A wicked storm. Lake water behaving in odd ways. Death. Before all that happens, Mercy (Violet's new friend) talks about how there might be a curse on the grave... Violet and her mother (remember--her mom is half Odawa) have special powers, too. They can see things other people can't.
"Cut!"
Cut that fake Hollywood Indian music, that is, and an emphatic "Cut it out!" as my parents would say when I was doing something wrong.
Cut it out, Julia Mary Gibson!
Cut it out, Susan Cooper!
Cut it out, Rosanne Parry!
"Cut what?" you may wonder... Quit writing about Native spirituality! You mean well, but you don't know what you're doing. From a place of ignorance, you're adding to an already-too-tall pile of garbage that gets circulated as information about Native people.
A good many writers have a moment in their life that touched them in such a way that they feel they must write about Native people. Gibson's moment is described in her Afterword. When she was eleven years old, she and her family found some bones near their summer cottage in Michigan. "[A]n expert" said they were "most likely American Indian but not old enough to be archeologically significant" (p. 329), so her grandfather "pieced together a skeleton and mounted it on plywood." Her "superstitious" grandma didn't like it and insisted the bones be reburied. This took place in the late 1960s or early 1970s (my guess, based on Gibson's bio at Macmillan that says she was born "in the time of Freedom Rides and the Vietnam War").
Gibson goes on to say that her grandfather didn't know better.
In Copper Magic, Violet is Gibson. The person who puts the skeleton on display is Mr. Dell, a hotel owner intent on increasing his business. The superstitious person who wants the bones reburied? Well, that is Mrs. Agosa, an Odawa woman who tells Violet to "Watch out for ghosts out by you" because "mad ghosts can throw out curses" (p. 134).
Gibson, Cooper, Parry and many other writers poke around a bit and pack their stories with bits of info that make it sound like they know a lot about American Indians. Gibson does that in Copper Magic when she has some of her characters talk about grave robbing and why it is wrong. She also does that when she has Mrs. Agosa talk about the hotel owner burning her people's village and orchards because he wanted their land. In the Afterword, Gibson tells us that part of the story is true (p. 330):
"The real people of the Chaboiganing Band were yanked from their houses by a crooked land grabber and the local sheriff, who flung kerosene over homes and orchards and burned down the whole village, just as Mrs. Agosa tells it."
The burning of that village is important information. It is what major publishers like Macmillan (publisher of Copper Magic) ought to make known. I wish Gibson had made it the heart of her story. Instead, she chose to tell a story about grave robbing, curses, and mystical Indians. There's more to the "mystical Indians" theme... Interspersed throughout Copper Magic are pages about two ancient women: Crooked Woman and Greenstone. Those parts of Gibson's novel are presented in italics. They feed the mainstream monster of stereotypical expectations--where people love to read about "mystical Indians" and our tragic history.
In Copper Magic, Violet's dad is a steady voice saying that Indian graves deserve respect and ought to be left alone. Violet parrots some of what he says but doesn't really understand. Ironically, Gibson is more like Violet than she realizes. Her understanding is superficial. Violet wants to use the hand to get what she wants. Gibson uses the childhood story to do what she wants.
As you may have guessed by now, I don't like what Gibson has done in Copper Magic. And of course, I do not recommend it. Copper Magic is another FAIL from a major publisher.
This review originally posted at American Indians in Children's literature on May 27, 2014.
Link: http://americanindiansinchildrenslite...
Well, it turns out there was more than just that copper hand in the spot where Violet was digging. There's also a skeleton there that is dug up (another kid finds it), reassembled, and displayed as a curiosity in a local hotel.
Cue some fake Hollywood Indian music...
Can't be messing around in them Indian burial grounds, right?! We've seen THAT enough times in movies and TV shows to know that messing with bones and artifacts means bad things are gonna happen. And of course, bad things happen to the people in Copper Magic. Lots of bad things. A wicked storm. Lake water behaving in odd ways. Death. Before all that happens, Mercy (Violet's new friend) talks about how there might be a curse on the grave... Violet and her mother (remember--her mom is half Odawa) have special powers, too. They can see things other people can't.
"Cut!"
Cut that fake Hollywood Indian music, that is, and an emphatic "Cut it out!" as my parents would say when I was doing something wrong.
Cut it out, Julia Mary Gibson!
Cut it out, Susan Cooper!
Cut it out, Rosanne Parry!
"Cut what?" you may wonder... Quit writing about Native spirituality! You mean well, but you don't know what you're doing. From a place of ignorance, you're adding to an already-too-tall pile of garbage that gets circulated as information about Native people.
A good many writers have a moment in their life that touched them in such a way that they feel they must write about Native people. Gibson's moment is described in her Afterword. When she was eleven years old, she and her family found some bones near their summer cottage in Michigan. "[A]n expert" said they were "most likely American Indian but not old enough to be archeologically significant" (p. 329), so her grandfather "pieced together a skeleton and mounted it on plywood." Her "superstitious" grandma didn't like it and insisted the bones be reburied. This took place in the late 1960s or early 1970s (my guess, based on Gibson's bio at Macmillan that says she was born "in the time of Freedom Rides and the Vietnam War").
Gibson goes on to say that her grandfather didn't know better.
In Copper Magic, Violet is Gibson. The person who puts the skeleton on display is Mr. Dell, a hotel owner intent on increasing his business. The superstitious person who wants the bones reburied? Well, that is Mrs. Agosa, an Odawa woman who tells Violet to "Watch out for ghosts out by you" because "mad ghosts can throw out curses" (p. 134).
Gibson, Cooper, Parry and many other writers poke around a bit and pack their stories with bits of info that make it sound like they know a lot about American Indians. Gibson does that in Copper Magic when she has some of her characters talk about grave robbing and why it is wrong. She also does that when she has Mrs. Agosa talk about the hotel owner burning her people's village and orchards because he wanted their land. In the Afterword, Gibson tells us that part of the story is true (p. 330):
"The real people of the Chaboiganing Band were yanked from their houses by a crooked land grabber and the local sheriff, who flung kerosene over homes and orchards and burned down the whole village, just as Mrs. Agosa tells it."
The burning of that village is important information. It is what major publishers like Macmillan (publisher of Copper Magic) ought to make known. I wish Gibson had made it the heart of her story. Instead, she chose to tell a story about grave robbing, curses, and mystical Indians. There's more to the "mystical Indians" theme... Interspersed throughout Copper Magic are pages about two ancient women: Crooked Woman and Greenstone. Those parts of Gibson's novel are presented in italics. They feed the mainstream monster of stereotypical expectations--where people love to read about "mystical Indians" and our tragic history.
In Copper Magic, Violet's dad is a steady voice saying that Indian graves deserve respect and ought to be left alone. Violet parrots some of what he says but doesn't really understand. Ironically, Gibson is more like Violet than she realizes. Her understanding is superficial. Violet wants to use the hand to get what she wants. Gibson uses the childhood story to do what she wants.
As you may have guessed by now, I don't like what Gibson has done in Copper Magic. And of course, I do not recommend it. Copper Magic is another FAIL from a major publisher.
This review originally posted at American Indians in Children's literature on May 27, 2014.
Link: http://americanindiansinchildrenslite...
June 21, 2019
Once in a while I like to read a novel meant for children. I read this one because the author is sister-in-law to a member of one of my reading groups. It was wonderful.
Violet Blake is 12 years old in 1906. She lives near Lake Michigan alone with her father, a farmer. Her mother took Violet's adored baby brother and went off on a journey to be with her people and heal from depression. Violet has begun to feel they may never return.
One day she finds a copper talisman in the shape of a hand. If ever there was a girl in need of some magical thinking, it is Violet. She is strong, capable and brave but she also lies.
As she says on the first page, "There wasn't one soul who knew how I made up things. I did it just for the doing of it, not just lying when you're cornered like anybody will."
I loved Violet at once. As she goes about making wishes on the copper hand, some of which come true, she encounters all manner of opportunities as well as difficulties. All she wants is her mother and brother back.
In addition to the setting, the time period, the characters, I enjoyed this story the most for the empowerment Violet gives herself, once she decides to take her problem into her own hands.
Sometimes magical thinking backed up with real life deeds does make wishes come true.
Violet Blake is 12 years old in 1906. She lives near Lake Michigan alone with her father, a farmer. Her mother took Violet's adored baby brother and went off on a journey to be with her people and heal from depression. Violet has begun to feel they may never return.
One day she finds a copper talisman in the shape of a hand. If ever there was a girl in need of some magical thinking, it is Violet. She is strong, capable and brave but she also lies.
As she says on the first page, "There wasn't one soul who knew how I made up things. I did it just for the doing of it, not just lying when you're cornered like anybody will."
I loved Violet at once. As she goes about making wishes on the copper hand, some of which come true, she encounters all manner of opportunities as well as difficulties. All she wants is her mother and brother back.
In addition to the setting, the time period, the characters, I enjoyed this story the most for the empowerment Violet gives herself, once she decides to take her problem into her own hands.
Sometimes magical thinking backed up with real life deeds does make wishes come true.
October 13, 2018
I'm breaking my review into two parts- how my review would have gone as an 11 year old, and what I think of its literary merit as an adult.
1) Through a child's eye, I can see some appeal. Though the title is a little lackluster, I loved magic books at that age and would probably have picked it off the shelf.
Violet is well characterized, with a reverent appreciation for the unknown that's contrasted in her father's worldview. When she finds a copper hand in the woods, she recognizes its magical qualities because of a vision of the previous owner- a woman wearing a swan feather cape. (Interspersed throughout the novel are flashback accounts from said previous owner. These are never explained, though I have a hunch they might be in what promises to be the sequel.)
What this story lacks, however, is *real* magic, the kind that spellbinds a reader with words. If reading is going on a journey, I was begrudgingly riding their stubborn horse, Bonny. In fact, the child in me wanted to put it down after about 100 pages. (The book clocks in at 328 pages plus an afterward.) Violet never had any more vivid visions, the Hand never seemed to do any real magic, until *SPOILER ALERT* Willis dies, and even then the magical element is brushed over quickly. The cover tagline is "be careful what you wish for," but the only wish-making gone awry is tidied up as not-the-result-of-a-wish after all. It set up my expectations for a wildly different plot, and that confusion led to disappointment. For a book that was supposed to be about magic, there's really very little of it in the story.
2) The adult critic in me was tallying up strikes as I read; by my count, there was enough to end a whole inning.
Most importantly, there's just too much going on. And I don't think Gibson did a great job of tying it all together. While the ending leaves plenty of room for a sequel, I don't see that as an excuse. There's the modern political correctness of women's and black's and Native American's issues all banging down the 1906 door. There's also the tension between the Christian summer camp and the atheistic father. There's the Russian immigrant Miss Nadia and the real estate tycoon Mr. Dell from the Big Bad City of Chicago. It felt like the kind of book an elementary school teacher would write to cover all the issues in her social studies unit on turn-of-the-century America.
Violet's narration is also infuriating to me. She's self-aware about the tropes of magical realism novels, and side-steps away to be sure her story won't make the same cliché mistakes as the heroines in those other stories. She treats the Hand carefully, does her chores so she won't appear lazy and hoping the Hand will magically grant her every wish, etc. I could swallow that, except for how Violet says she can't and hasn't read much. There aren't many books at home (the only one mentioned, I believe, is about fairies) and she's not allowed to have a library card. HOW DOES SHE KNOW THESE TROPES?
By the end, I was kind of hoping Violet would get sucked under by the giant wave, and that's not how you want your reader rooting for your main character.
*I received this book for free thanks to Goodreads First Reads. Thanks!
1) Through a child's eye, I can see some appeal. Though the title is a little lackluster, I loved magic books at that age and would probably have picked it off the shelf.
Violet is well characterized, with a reverent appreciation for the unknown that's contrasted in her father's worldview. When she finds a copper hand in the woods, she recognizes its magical qualities because of a vision of the previous owner- a woman wearing a swan feather cape. (Interspersed throughout the novel are flashback accounts from said previous owner. These are never explained, though I have a hunch they might be in what promises to be the sequel.)
What this story lacks, however, is *real* magic, the kind that spellbinds a reader with words. If reading is going on a journey, I was begrudgingly riding their stubborn horse, Bonny. In fact, the child in me wanted to put it down after about 100 pages. (The book clocks in at 328 pages plus an afterward.) Violet never had any more vivid visions, the Hand never seemed to do any real magic, until *SPOILER ALERT* Willis dies, and even then the magical element is brushed over quickly. The cover tagline is "be careful what you wish for," but the only wish-making gone awry is tidied up as not-the-result-of-a-wish after all. It set up my expectations for a wildly different plot, and that confusion led to disappointment. For a book that was supposed to be about magic, there's really very little of it in the story.
2) The adult critic in me was tallying up strikes as I read; by my count, there was enough to end a whole inning.
Most importantly, there's just too much going on. And I don't think Gibson did a great job of tying it all together. While the ending leaves plenty of room for a sequel, I don't see that as an excuse. There's the modern political correctness of women's and black's and Native American's issues all banging down the 1906 door. There's also the tension between the Christian summer camp and the atheistic father. There's the Russian immigrant Miss Nadia and the real estate tycoon Mr. Dell from the Big Bad City of Chicago. It felt like the kind of book an elementary school teacher would write to cover all the issues in her social studies unit on turn-of-the-century America.
Violet's narration is also infuriating to me. She's self-aware about the tropes of magical realism novels, and side-steps away to be sure her story won't make the same cliché mistakes as the heroines in those other stories. She treats the Hand carefully, does her chores so she won't appear lazy and hoping the Hand will magically grant her every wish, etc. I could swallow that, except for how Violet says she can't and hasn't read much. There aren't many books at home (the only one mentioned, I believe, is about fairies) and she's not allowed to have a library card. HOW DOES SHE KNOW THESE TROPES?
By the end, I was kind of hoping Violet would get sucked under by the giant wave, and that's not how you want your reader rooting for your main character.
*I received this book for free thanks to Goodreads First Reads. Thanks!
July 8, 2014
Copper Magic tells the story of Violet, a 12-year-old girl who lives with her father on a small farm on the outskirts of Pigeon Harbor. Violet's mother and baby brother are missing. Her mother went away, and though she promised to come back, she never did. Violet suspects she might be dead. ("There was no way around it. Georgia Blake had surely departed the earth. She wouldn't have left the radium silk if she hadn't intended on coming back, or the wine-colored jacket, or the white shirtwaist she put on to please my father, who liked how dark it made her skin, eyes hair."). She's lonely, she feels abandoned, she wants answers. And when she finds a copper hand talisman buried in the woods - a talisman she believes holds real magical powers- she wishes for her family to be whole again. What she doesn't know is that her wish will bring about unforeseen consequences and will change her life forever.
Copper Magic is a wonderful book. It's really hard to believe this beautifully written, enchanting and atmospheric novel is Julia Mary Gibson's literary debut. I can't help but be amazed. For some authors it takes years of hard work to be able to write in such strong and clear voice, some never get there at all. Gibson's prose seems already established and polished to near-perfection.
The beautiful writing is what drew me in and kept me captivated all throughout. But at the same time, it's not just the mesmerizing style and Violet's quirky narrative voice that made me love this book, it's also the rich historical tapestry of 1906 that serves as the backdrop to this magical tale, and how skillfully the plot is woven within it. On top of that, Copper Magic is thematically very complex and diverse. Gibson explores themes such photography, ethnicity, ecology, Native American culture, family bonds, abandonment, the power of wishes and what it means to be an adult. It's really quite a meaningful and powerful story.
Violet is a breath of fresh air. She's far from being perfect. She's a notorious liar (and actually proud of it!), she's very opinionated and sneaky, and when she wants something, she'll find a way to get it. She's only 12, so obviously she doesn't yet have all the answers, and without a mother figure in her life to guide her, it's only to be expected that she'll make mistakes. Her mistakes will have consequences, but they'll also prove valuable life lessons.
Copper Magic is many things. You can think of it as historical fiction. Or family drama. You can read it as fantasy novel. Or you can label it magical realism, and decide for yourself whether the magic of copper hand talisman is real, or just Violet's wishful thinking combined with her colorful imagination and a series of bizarre coincidences. All classifications and labels aside, this is a book worth reading.
Copper Magic is a wonderful book. It's really hard to believe this beautifully written, enchanting and atmospheric novel is Julia Mary Gibson's literary debut. I can't help but be amazed. For some authors it takes years of hard work to be able to write in such strong and clear voice, some never get there at all. Gibson's prose seems already established and polished to near-perfection.
The beautiful writing is what drew me in and kept me captivated all throughout. But at the same time, it's not just the mesmerizing style and Violet's quirky narrative voice that made me love this book, it's also the rich historical tapestry of 1906 that serves as the backdrop to this magical tale, and how skillfully the plot is woven within it. On top of that, Copper Magic is thematically very complex and diverse. Gibson explores themes such photography, ethnicity, ecology, Native American culture, family bonds, abandonment, the power of wishes and what it means to be an adult. It's really quite a meaningful and powerful story.
Violet is a breath of fresh air. She's far from being perfect. She's a notorious liar (and actually proud of it!), she's very opinionated and sneaky, and when she wants something, she'll find a way to get it. She's only 12, so obviously she doesn't yet have all the answers, and without a mother figure in her life to guide her, it's only to be expected that she'll make mistakes. Her mistakes will have consequences, but they'll also prove valuable life lessons.
Copper Magic is many things. You can think of it as historical fiction. Or family drama. You can read it as fantasy novel. Or you can label it magical realism, and decide for yourself whether the magic of copper hand talisman is real, or just Violet's wishful thinking combined with her colorful imagination and a series of bizarre coincidences. All classifications and labels aside, this is a book worth reading.
July 4, 2014
I received a copy from Netgalley.
Disappointing. I haven't read a lot of middle grade novels and I'm always looking for new things and this one sounded quite interesting so I put in request, if I got approved, great, if I didn't no big deal. I was approved. Started off interestingly enough, Violet was a mildly ingesting heroine with a clearly smart mind and seemed quite older than her twelve years.
But as the novel progressed I found it rather dull. The story was very slow and centres around Violet finding a mysterious copper hand with magical properties that she takes advantage of. The middle of the book was long winded and dull and while I think as a middle grade book some kids might like the freedom Violet seems to have (her mother has gone with her baby brother and her father barely seems to be around much) other reads, like I did might find it very dull and tedious. The story does pick up in the end when Violet realises some mistakes she's make in regards to the object she found and he she's used it and tries to rectify her actions but it felt like too little too late.
There was some mildly interesting mythology regarding the artefact Violet finds, it was well edited and the writing itself wasn't bad at all, the story was just rather dull. I'd be happy to let younger kids read this. I think it would interesting to see some book reports on what a younger mind thinks.
But personally, just not not for me. Thank you to Tor/Forge and Netgalley for the approval.
Disappointing. I haven't read a lot of middle grade novels and I'm always looking for new things and this one sounded quite interesting so I put in request, if I got approved, great, if I didn't no big deal. I was approved. Started off interestingly enough, Violet was a mildly ingesting heroine with a clearly smart mind and seemed quite older than her twelve years.
But as the novel progressed I found it rather dull. The story was very slow and centres around Violet finding a mysterious copper hand with magical properties that she takes advantage of. The middle of the book was long winded and dull and while I think as a middle grade book some kids might like the freedom Violet seems to have (her mother has gone with her baby brother and her father barely seems to be around much) other reads, like I did might find it very dull and tedious. The story does pick up in the end when Violet realises some mistakes she's make in regards to the object she found and he she's used it and tries to rectify her actions but it felt like too little too late.
There was some mildly interesting mythology regarding the artefact Violet finds, it was well edited and the writing itself wasn't bad at all, the story was just rather dull. I'd be happy to let younger kids read this. I think it would interesting to see some book reports on what a younger mind thinks.
But personally, just not not for me. Thank you to Tor/Forge and Netgalley for the approval.
June 27, 2014
I love Copper Magic, I couldn't put it down. Within the first chapter I was hooked, the characters, the mystery, and the small town located on Lake Michigan came to life....and I read it straight through.
Copper Magic by Julia Mary Gibson is an absolutely charming new novel. A great story, wonderful characters and a delightfully drawn tale.
In this day and age we are inundated with stories of magic, this one is delightfully different. The story weaves wonderful characters, the spunky and feisty Violet Marie Blake, into a tale of mystery, magic and Native American Culture.
What Intrigued me most, was the power of the magic, and the understanding that magic can't always be controlled. There are so many stories of magic and the main character goes through a transformation to be able to control that power......but true magic doesn't necessarily need to be tamed, or can be tamed.
I loved how Native American tradition was woven through the tale, and in no way did it ever take on a preachy tone. It was simply beautifully done.
I was transported to a different time. It was elegant, yet sassy and funny and charming and breathtaking and timeless and heartbreaking and........magical.
Copper Magic is one I will read again and again..... It is sure to become an American Classic and I applaud Julia Gibson for telling the tale in such an authentic voice. Copper Magic is going to win some big awards.
I received an advanced copy through net galley...... I wasn't paid for this review.......it's just a beautiful read.
Copper Magic by Julia Mary Gibson is an absolutely charming new novel. A great story, wonderful characters and a delightfully drawn tale.
In this day and age we are inundated with stories of magic, this one is delightfully different. The story weaves wonderful characters, the spunky and feisty Violet Marie Blake, into a tale of mystery, magic and Native American Culture.
What Intrigued me most, was the power of the magic, and the understanding that magic can't always be controlled. There are so many stories of magic and the main character goes through a transformation to be able to control that power......but true magic doesn't necessarily need to be tamed, or can be tamed.
I loved how Native American tradition was woven through the tale, and in no way did it ever take on a preachy tone. It was simply beautifully done.
I was transported to a different time. It was elegant, yet sassy and funny and charming and breathtaking and timeless and heartbreaking and........magical.
Copper Magic is one I will read again and again..... It is sure to become an American Classic and I applaud Julia Gibson for telling the tale in such an authentic voice. Copper Magic is going to win some big awards.
I received an advanced copy through net galley...... I wasn't paid for this review.......it's just a beautiful read.
June 3, 2018
I really enjoyed this book and am surprised that it doesn't have better reviews. When I finished it I looked up the author and was sad that she had no other books. I enjoyed the main character and her growth. The ways that she tried to reconnect her family, the lies she told and the trouble they got her into. I liked the Native American story line that paralleled it too. I hope this author is writing more.
March 15, 2020
I think it says a lot when you read a book and you can’t tell that the one who write is was making their debut with said novel. Not that every author’s early attempts are obvious, of course, but there’s often the feeling that as much as a novel is good, the author still hasn’t come to their full potential yet.
If this isn’t the best that Gibson will achieve in her writing career, then I can’t wait to see what she’s going to amaze me with in the future!
The combination of morality tale and history lesson don’t always work, but here Gibson has worked her own magic to keep readers interested right from the beginning. In 1906, a girl named Violet finds a copper hand, one that is magic and can make her wishes come true. Impressively, she doesn’t go nuts with wishing for everything and only then discovers the consequences, but from the beginning she’s rather careful, making a small wish to test it out, trying to make wishes that she thinks are worthy of actually using magic to make them happen, because she understands, on the instinctive level that children tend to have, that magic isn’t something you just play around with. Her mother has left and taken Violet’s young brother with her, and more than anything she wants her family to be reunited, but she doesn’t just wish for her mother back because she has forethought that sets her ahead of her years and can see potential complications to that method. In the meantime, Violet is working as an assistant to Nadia Zalzman, a photographer hired to take promotional pictures of a nearby hotel, and through Nadia’s influence, Violet’s world expands and she becomes much more aware of things going on around her that she wouldn’t have discovered had she just stayed at home with her father.
Violet’s attitude is remarkably mature for someone her age, likely born from her living in a less-than-great situation, but reading from her perspective makes a wonderful and refreshing change from most YA protagonists, regardless of genre or subgenre, many of whom live in the moment and don’t have much skill at planning when it comes to preparing for possibilities other than the desired one. There is no romance in this book, save for the lingering depression Violet’s father feels over his absent wife. This is a book that tells a different story from YA standards. This is Violet’s story of discovery, of learning the value of truth and lies, of consequences and prejudice and her place in the world that was built on the backs of others.
I suspect, though, that many readers will roll their eyes a little at the obvious negative consequences of Violet’s wishes. It says right on the cover, “be careful what you wish for,” and no wish is entirely benign. Violet may be shocked when tragedy follows her wish, but the reader certainly won’t be. They will, however, most likely be able to relate to Violet’s panic over the issue, blaming herself for the wish she directed the copper hand’s magic to, believing she was the cause and knowing that she can’t tell anyone because they won’t believe her and so telling won’t relieve any of her anxiety.
There’s much of great value in this novel, and for all that it’s intended for teens, it was very easy to forget that while reading. You expect some simplifications of issues when you’re reading from the perspective of a 12 year old, but it wasn’t until writing this review that I was reminded that oh yeah, this book was written for younger audiences and not with adults specifically in mind. This is a book than can easily transcend genre and age categories. You get to see racism in a more historical context, the treatment of blacks and Native Americans and erased history and white superiority, and a dozen and one little issues that paint a disturbing big picture of American social history. With the exception of the obvious “be careful what you wish for” lesson, this book was damn near flawless, and I know it’s going to be one that I read again in the future. Gibson is an author to keep an eye on, and I highly recommend Copper Magic to those who are looking for an uncommonly mature YA novel that breaks away from current standards.
(Book received in exchange for an honest review.)
If this isn’t the best that Gibson will achieve in her writing career, then I can’t wait to see what she’s going to amaze me with in the future!
The combination of morality tale and history lesson don’t always work, but here Gibson has worked her own magic to keep readers interested right from the beginning. In 1906, a girl named Violet finds a copper hand, one that is magic and can make her wishes come true. Impressively, she doesn’t go nuts with wishing for everything and only then discovers the consequences, but from the beginning she’s rather careful, making a small wish to test it out, trying to make wishes that she thinks are worthy of actually using magic to make them happen, because she understands, on the instinctive level that children tend to have, that magic isn’t something you just play around with. Her mother has left and taken Violet’s young brother with her, and more than anything she wants her family to be reunited, but she doesn’t just wish for her mother back because she has forethought that sets her ahead of her years and can see potential complications to that method. In the meantime, Violet is working as an assistant to Nadia Zalzman, a photographer hired to take promotional pictures of a nearby hotel, and through Nadia’s influence, Violet’s world expands and she becomes much more aware of things going on around her that she wouldn’t have discovered had she just stayed at home with her father.
Violet’s attitude is remarkably mature for someone her age, likely born from her living in a less-than-great situation, but reading from her perspective makes a wonderful and refreshing change from most YA protagonists, regardless of genre or subgenre, many of whom live in the moment and don’t have much skill at planning when it comes to preparing for possibilities other than the desired one. There is no romance in this book, save for the lingering depression Violet’s father feels over his absent wife. This is a book that tells a different story from YA standards. This is Violet’s story of discovery, of learning the value of truth and lies, of consequences and prejudice and her place in the world that was built on the backs of others.
I suspect, though, that many readers will roll their eyes a little at the obvious negative consequences of Violet’s wishes. It says right on the cover, “be careful what you wish for,” and no wish is entirely benign. Violet may be shocked when tragedy follows her wish, but the reader certainly won’t be. They will, however, most likely be able to relate to Violet’s panic over the issue, blaming herself for the wish she directed the copper hand’s magic to, believing she was the cause and knowing that she can’t tell anyone because they won’t believe her and so telling won’t relieve any of her anxiety.
There’s much of great value in this novel, and for all that it’s intended for teens, it was very easy to forget that while reading. You expect some simplifications of issues when you’re reading from the perspective of a 12 year old, but it wasn’t until writing this review that I was reminded that oh yeah, this book was written for younger audiences and not with adults specifically in mind. This is a book than can easily transcend genre and age categories. You get to see racism in a more historical context, the treatment of blacks and Native Americans and erased history and white superiority, and a dozen and one little issues that paint a disturbing big picture of American social history. With the exception of the obvious “be careful what you wish for” lesson, this book was damn near flawless, and I know it’s going to be one that I read again in the future. Gibson is an author to keep an eye on, and I highly recommend Copper Magic to those who are looking for an uncommonly mature YA novel that breaks away from current standards.
(Book received in exchange for an honest review.)
August 14, 2022
Set in the early 1900s, Violet is living with her father while her mother, of Indian descent, has gone on a trip with her younger brother. While disposing of some clothes in the woods, she discovers a copper hand and experiences a vision and thinks that the talisman must contain magic. But she is wary about the consequences of wishing. She is lucky enough to get a job helping a woman photographer who has been commissioned to take pictures of the local hotel and surroundings and even makes a friend with a girl her own age who has come to live nearby. But when the girl’s brother makes the discovery of the burial site and takes the hand from her, Violet knows she must work to set things right. This book was a little uneven, touching on themes of racism and sexism, but sometimes struggling to stay focused.
December 24, 2023
(Almost 3.5) This was better than I thought it would be, honestly. I'm usually not a fan of settings pre 1980, and I was hesitant to read a story written by a white woman about an American Indian. However, she did fairly well at being respectable as well as engaging. It's geared towards middle grade/young adult. There's a lot going on, but it is centered around a source, so I enjoyed it. Anyone that's a fan of Frankfort, Michigan will enjoy the references to the vacation town.
March 3, 2022
I enjoyed the story. The treatment of some of the characters made me angry, but I like when books make me feel emotions. I want to be reminded of these things because I feel if we don't remember and talk about it, there is a greater risk of similar things happening again.
September 13, 2022
Enjoyable coming of age type story. I think it appealed more to me because it was set in an area of Michigan I am at least somewhat familiar with, but I don't know that there was anything super special about it.
January 13, 2019
I was surprised how much I enjoyed this book . It was well written and had well fleshed out characters . I will say I would have loved to have known more about the mother. Very enjoyable!
March 3, 2019
2.75*
December 3, 2025
I didnt catch on to this book very well and I rarely had any idea what was happening.
November 13, 2022
Violet’s story is well told and engaging. I liked the way that her grief is a motivator for a lot of what happens with the hand. Some elements are predictable, but not in a bad way. Racism also plays major parts both in her life and in what happens throughout the story.
February 18, 2014
Violet Blake has been living with just her father on their farm for months now, ever since her mother took her baby brother Francis (aka Fry) and left. Violet doesn't know why she left, when she's coming back and is actually starting to believe that both her Mom and her brother are actually dead. Twelve year old Violet is stuck between a child and a teenager, outgrowing her shabby clothes and trying to stay a kid, but being forced into responsibility be her meddling Aunt. The property down by the lake has been "bought" by church people, who are setting up camp for the summer. Violet makes friends with a preacher's kid and one day by the lake she finds a copper hand, that she thinks is magical. Maybe the hand can bring back her family and put her life back to normal. But when the copper hand unleashes powers that Violet can't control and that could cause a lot of harm, and it is taken away by priveleged people who don't understand it, it's up to Violet to save the hand and return it to where it belongs before it's too late.
The main draw for me was the fact that this book is set in Michigan, near Lake Michigan. It also didn't hurt that this was a historical fiction book set in my home state. I love me some decent historical fiction. The tone was very reminiscent of To Kill a Mockingbird, but without the stately wisdom that seems to assert itself in that novel (even with the main characters being children). Violet Blake is our protagonist in this one, and while I get that kids were a hell of a lot more innocent/naieve/less jaded in the early 1900s for the most part, I just did NOT feel like I was reading something from the point of view of a twelve year old. I honestly couldn't think of Violet as any older than nine or so years old. Especially since most of this book centers around her unwavering belief in the magical powers of a hand made out of copper!
Probably my favorite thing in this book as I was reading, ended up being the usage of Native American mysticism and culture to bring home the power of belief to make things change. Also, I really loved the way Gibson portrayed the Native American people in this novel (Violet is actually the product of a half N.A. mother and a white father). She doesn't ignore the racism and demeaning cultural attitudes of the time period, but still manages to make the characters rich and very developed. They are never just convenient stereotypes. There is also some beautiful imagery to do with the beaches, the Hotel that draws in the tourists every summer and the general natural beauties of Michigan. The biggest complaint on my part would probably be the lack of personal change of Violet's part. She spends the whole summer apprenticed to a famous lady photographer, trying to make wishes on a magical artifact and trying to retrieve the hand once it's been stolen. Not to mention her issues with her father and her Aunt, who wants to make Violet into something she's not (and doesn't want to be) - a proper young lady. Yet for all the heartache and trouble that the hand and her naievte bring into her life, Violet never seems to change all that much during the ensuing drama and tragedy. Even the aftermath doesn't seem to affect her all that much. I did appreciate the unresolved nature of the situation with Violet's Mom. I liked that things were nowhere near as simple as she had made them, and that Violet and her Dad went in search of her Mom, instead of just taking the easy out, and having her return. Overall, it's a very well written, historical fiction novel worth reading if you like a good mystical mystery. I just feel like it belongs more in the middle grade catergorization than in the YA pool of novels.
VERDICT: 3/5 Stars
*I received this book as part of Around the World ARC Tours, run by the lovely Princess Bookie. No favors or money were exchanged for this review. This book's expected publication date is July 1st, 2014.*
The main draw for me was the fact that this book is set in Michigan, near Lake Michigan. It also didn't hurt that this was a historical fiction book set in my home state. I love me some decent historical fiction. The tone was very reminiscent of To Kill a Mockingbird, but without the stately wisdom that seems to assert itself in that novel (even with the main characters being children). Violet Blake is our protagonist in this one, and while I get that kids were a hell of a lot more innocent/naieve/less jaded in the early 1900s for the most part, I just did NOT feel like I was reading something from the point of view of a twelve year old. I honestly couldn't think of Violet as any older than nine or so years old. Especially since most of this book centers around her unwavering belief in the magical powers of a hand made out of copper!
Probably my favorite thing in this book as I was reading, ended up being the usage of Native American mysticism and culture to bring home the power of belief to make things change. Also, I really loved the way Gibson portrayed the Native American people in this novel (Violet is actually the product of a half N.A. mother and a white father). She doesn't ignore the racism and demeaning cultural attitudes of the time period, but still manages to make the characters rich and very developed. They are never just convenient stereotypes. There is also some beautiful imagery to do with the beaches, the Hotel that draws in the tourists every summer and the general natural beauties of Michigan. The biggest complaint on my part would probably be the lack of personal change of Violet's part. She spends the whole summer apprenticed to a famous lady photographer, trying to make wishes on a magical artifact and trying to retrieve the hand once it's been stolen. Not to mention her issues with her father and her Aunt, who wants to make Violet into something she's not (and doesn't want to be) - a proper young lady. Yet for all the heartache and trouble that the hand and her naievte bring into her life, Violet never seems to change all that much during the ensuing drama and tragedy. Even the aftermath doesn't seem to affect her all that much. I did appreciate the unresolved nature of the situation with Violet's Mom. I liked that things were nowhere near as simple as she had made them, and that Violet and her Dad went in search of her Mom, instead of just taking the easy out, and having her return. Overall, it's a very well written, historical fiction novel worth reading if you like a good mystical mystery. I just feel like it belongs more in the middle grade catergorization than in the YA pool of novels.
VERDICT: 3/5 Stars
*I received this book as part of Around the World ARC Tours, run by the lovely Princess Bookie. No favors or money were exchanged for this review. This book's expected publication date is July 1st, 2014.*
September 6, 2014
This is a beautifully written MG/YA historical novel that captures its chosen place and time -- Lake Michigan, 1906 -- with a lot of heart. 12 year old Violet is a very likeable POV character, and the story generally touches upon issues like racism, depression, and loss with a level of gravitas that I feel is appropriate for the age of the target audience, subtly weaving its messages into a narrative that has just a touch of magical realism. There are also a ton of great female characters, including the Russian Jewish photographer Nadia (for whom Violet works as an assistant), and Violet's mother Georgia, whom we do not actually meet for the duration of the book. Much of the emotional core of the story revolves around her absence.
THAT BEING SAID, this book does rely far too much on the trope of the Magical Native American. The entire story is based around Violet's discovery of a supposedly magical Native American artifact, the Copper Hand. It's kind of left open to interpretation whether Violet actually experiences magic (though she does unambiguously have some form of "The Sight", as does her 1/2 Odawa mother -- Violet is 1/4 Odawa, but obviously "passes" in a way that her mother never could).
On the one hand, I appreciate Gibson's inclusion of some Native American characters from whom Violet and Nadia learn more about local (shameful) history, and these women are treated respectfully by the narrative. But on the other hand, even though they're not token characters, they are still absolutely the "purveyors of the mystical" in a rather problematic way. Additionally, the book also has a few intermittent chapters telling the backstory of the long-dead former owner of the Copper Hand, also a magical Native American woman. These chapters have an air of myth and legend, but since they're completely made up by the (presumably white) author they ring a little off.
And so, I'm torn. As an adult reader with an awareness of cultural sensitivity, I'd give a little side-eye to this book -- though I should point out that it's by no means the worst example of the Magical Native American trope, and does at least attempt to mitigate the trope's use with other, largely positive factors. But for young readers, sometimes the BEST way to learn about serious issues is to embed them in a good story. Even if the story revolves around a relatable protagonist like Violet, rather than around actual oppressed people themselves.
With all of that in mind, I would give this 3.5 stars.
I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley.
THAT BEING SAID, this book does rely far too much on the trope of the Magical Native American. The entire story is based around Violet's discovery of a supposedly magical Native American artifact, the Copper Hand. It's kind of left open to interpretation whether Violet actually experiences magic (though she does unambiguously have some form of "The Sight", as does her 1/2 Odawa mother -- Violet is 1/4 Odawa, but obviously "passes" in a way that her mother never could).
On the one hand, I appreciate Gibson's inclusion of some Native American characters from whom Violet and Nadia learn more about local (shameful) history, and these women are treated respectfully by the narrative. But on the other hand, even though they're not token characters, they are still absolutely the "purveyors of the mystical" in a rather problematic way. Additionally, the book also has a few intermittent chapters telling the backstory of the long-dead former owner of the Copper Hand, also a magical Native American woman. These chapters have an air of myth and legend, but since they're completely made up by the (presumably white) author they ring a little off.
And so, I'm torn. As an adult reader with an awareness of cultural sensitivity, I'd give a little side-eye to this book -- though I should point out that it's by no means the worst example of the Magical Native American trope, and does at least attempt to mitigate the trope's use with other, largely positive factors. But for young readers, sometimes the BEST way to learn about serious issues is to embed them in a good story. Even if the story revolves around a relatable protagonist like Violet, rather than around actual oppressed people themselves.
With all of that in mind, I would give this 3.5 stars.
I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley.
April 25, 2015
I received this book from the goodreads first-reads program.
Copper Magic is listed as a middle-grade book, meaning it is intended for that age group which is likely done with the children's books, but not quite ready for those young adult books. The high point here is that this one, like the best of the young adult books, doesn't feel like it was written down to the audience. However, I would warn that most parents may want to read this for themselves to determine whether their children are ready for it (or to be prepared to discuss some of the themes with their children).
The book is written from the point of view of an adolescent girl in 1906 named Violet. She sees the world primarily through the eyes of a child, but is starting to see some of the ugliness going on in the society around her. She thinks about the way people have treated her mother (who is 1/2 Native American) and she begins to see the way people treat all of the minorities in her community.
I find it completely plausible that, despite attempting to take on the themes of prejudice and the despicable treatment Native Americans received up to and including the 20th century, the depiction of Native Americans in this book may be offensive to some readers. In fact, my concerns there are the primary reason I am asking my wife to read it before we make a decision on whether our daughter should do so. Our daughter is nine, though an advanced reader, and I've read the Harry Potter series and most of the Heroes of Olympus/Kane Chronicles series to her (though she could probably read them herself at this point). More importantly, in this case, my wife's 1/4 Native American, and our daughter is perhaps slightly sheltered and less ready to take on some of these issues than other children may be.
The book presents a great deal of mysticism and a potential for magic, but allows for all of it to be simply superstition and a child's imagination. The book's tone and treatment of magic change as Violet learns some of the more difficult lessons that can mark the end of childhood.
The last third of the book really took hold of me in a way I wasn't expecting, especially from a book marketed toward younger readers. I think many parents will enjoy reading this book, even if they decide that maybe their child isn't quite ready for it, yet.
Copper Magic is listed as a middle-grade book, meaning it is intended for that age group which is likely done with the children's books, but not quite ready for those young adult books. The high point here is that this one, like the best of the young adult books, doesn't feel like it was written down to the audience. However, I would warn that most parents may want to read this for themselves to determine whether their children are ready for it (or to be prepared to discuss some of the themes with their children).
The book is written from the point of view of an adolescent girl in 1906 named Violet. She sees the world primarily through the eyes of a child, but is starting to see some of the ugliness going on in the society around her. She thinks about the way people have treated her mother (who is 1/2 Native American) and she begins to see the way people treat all of the minorities in her community.
I find it completely plausible that, despite attempting to take on the themes of prejudice and the despicable treatment Native Americans received up to and including the 20th century, the depiction of Native Americans in this book may be offensive to some readers. In fact, my concerns there are the primary reason I am asking my wife to read it before we make a decision on whether our daughter should do so. Our daughter is nine, though an advanced reader, and I've read the Harry Potter series and most of the Heroes of Olympus/Kane Chronicles series to her (though she could probably read them herself at this point). More importantly, in this case, my wife's 1/4 Native American, and our daughter is perhaps slightly sheltered and less ready to take on some of these issues than other children may be.
The book presents a great deal of mysticism and a potential for magic, but allows for all of it to be simply superstition and a child's imagination. The book's tone and treatment of magic change as Violet learns some of the more difficult lessons that can mark the end of childhood.
The last third of the book really took hold of me in a way I wasn't expecting, especially from a book marketed toward younger readers. I think many parents will enjoy reading this book, even if they decide that maybe their child isn't quite ready for it, yet.
July 6, 2014
'Copper Magic' is a beautiful tale full of history, love, regret, and magic. The story follows our young heroine - Violet - as she lives her simple life in the year 1906. Her mother and baby brother disappeared months ago, and Violet doesn't think they're coming back. Now it's just Violet and her father, trying their hardest to make a decent life in the small town of Pigeon Harbor. When Violet comes across a mysterious copper hand buried in the woods, she starts to believe that it's magic. After witnessing some of it's magic for herself, Violet makes a wish on the hand - hoping that she can make things right again for herself and her family. What she doesn't know is how powerful a wish can be - and the consequences that follow.
The description of the book is initially what drew me to it - I love anything to do with magic or witches. After starting the book, it became obvious that this story was so much more than just a young adult fantasy. It was incredibly detailed in its descriptions of the time period, the characters, and all the things we encounter throughout its pages. Not only was I transported back in time alongside Violet, but the story had much more depth than I imagined. It touches on serious topics like family, loss, grief, regret, love, and acceptance. All of these components - from the detailed descriptions to the intricate story line and the layered plot - came together to create a wholly original and beautifully told story. It was incredibly hard to believe that this was the author's debut novel - the writing was extremely well crafted and had the feel of a much more seasoned author. Everything about the book was well done - the setting was described with vivid imagery, the plot was fantasy mixed with universal topics, and the characters were realistic and easy to identify with right off the bat. I highly recommend this book to fans of YA historical fiction and fantasy, along with anyone looking for a book layered with magic, history, and thought-provoking concepts.
Disclosure: I received a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
The description of the book is initially what drew me to it - I love anything to do with magic or witches. After starting the book, it became obvious that this story was so much more than just a young adult fantasy. It was incredibly detailed in its descriptions of the time period, the characters, and all the things we encounter throughout its pages. Not only was I transported back in time alongside Violet, but the story had much more depth than I imagined. It touches on serious topics like family, loss, grief, regret, love, and acceptance. All of these components - from the detailed descriptions to the intricate story line and the layered plot - came together to create a wholly original and beautifully told story. It was incredibly hard to believe that this was the author's debut novel - the writing was extremely well crafted and had the feel of a much more seasoned author. Everything about the book was well done - the setting was described with vivid imagery, the plot was fantasy mixed with universal topics, and the characters were realistic and easy to identify with right off the bat. I highly recommend this book to fans of YA historical fiction and fantasy, along with anyone looking for a book layered with magic, history, and thought-provoking concepts.
Disclosure: I received a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
May 24, 2014
Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Genre: Fantasy
Age Recommended: 11 and up
Copper Magic was a good book with amazing characters. It appealed to me because one of the main characters was a photographer and I really like photography. This book has very few characters but the author spends a lot of time developing them.
P.S.: This book was an ARC courtesy of NetGalley.
copperMagic
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Violet is a girl who lives in a cottage with her father. She finds a copper hand by a riverbank and as soon as she touches it, it takes her to another time. Violet realizes that this copper hand is magical and if anyone needs magic right now, it's her. Her mother and baby brother have left her and she lives alone with her father who is always grouchy.
Violet then gets a job with a photographer, Ms. Nadia. Her clients are very demanding and Violet stays quite busy. One day, her friend's brother finds a skeleton where Violet found the copper hand. Violet has flashbacks of the skeleton and the hand being connected and she learns that they should not be disturbed.
Violet's friend's brother then steals the hand from Violet and puts it in a glass case for everyone to see. Violet must find a way to get it back because one of Ms. Nadia's client, an old American- Indian lady, says that if the grave is disturbed for too long, then the people of the land will be cursed. Bad things start to happen and Violet needs to get the hand back before too much damage is done.
Will Violet be able save the people by restoring peace to the possessor of the copper hand?
---
This book will be released on July 1st, but you can pre-order it here: Copper Magic
Genre: Fantasy
Age Recommended: 11 and up
Copper Magic was a good book with amazing characters. It appealed to me because one of the main characters was a photographer and I really like photography. This book has very few characters but the author spends a lot of time developing them.
P.S.: This book was an ARC courtesy of NetGalley.
copperMagic
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Violet is a girl who lives in a cottage with her father. She finds a copper hand by a riverbank and as soon as she touches it, it takes her to another time. Violet realizes that this copper hand is magical and if anyone needs magic right now, it's her. Her mother and baby brother have left her and she lives alone with her father who is always grouchy.
Violet then gets a job with a photographer, Ms. Nadia. Her clients are very demanding and Violet stays quite busy. One day, her friend's brother finds a skeleton where Violet found the copper hand. Violet has flashbacks of the skeleton and the hand being connected and she learns that they should not be disturbed.
Violet's friend's brother then steals the hand from Violet and puts it in a glass case for everyone to see. Violet must find a way to get it back because one of Ms. Nadia's client, an old American- Indian lady, says that if the grave is disturbed for too long, then the people of the land will be cursed. Bad things start to happen and Violet needs to get the hand back before too much damage is done.
Will Violet be able save the people by restoring peace to the possessor of the copper hand?
---
This book will be released on July 1st, but you can pre-order it here: Copper Magic
May 22, 2015
**3.5/4 stars**
Originally posted at: http://iliveforreading.blogspot.com/2...
I haven’t read much about the USA during this time period, so this was a really interesting and different read for me. It felt like reading one of those timeless classics, such as the Little House books, especially the descriptions of helping out at home and on the farm. I really liked how the author really explored roles and professions at the time, as well as the general public’s view and relations with the Native Americans. While the book was slightly slow paced, it was a unique concept and was a well-thought out story.
I really enjoyed Violet’s character, although some of her decisions I didn’t really know what to make of. I guess being in such situations might make me react differently but she acted quite childishly at some parts, which put me a little bit off. I really enjoyed Miss Nadia’s character though– one really sensible adult compared to the hysterical aunt and Mrs. Dell. Mrs. Agosa I felt kind of so-so about Mercy’s character, but she was an enjoyable edition overall.
I found it interesting how the different story lines were weaved with another. How Violet’s mother went away, how she works with Mrs. Nadia and her photography, the Native American stories and myths– all come together with the copper hand that Violet finds. While the book most of the time stays to a realistic plot, there are times when fantasy and magic come alive and create an spellbinding premise.
Copper Magic was an easy read, one that was intriguing and enchanting. Aimed for middle grade readers, Gibson’s novel will enthral children and adults alike from start to finish. Loved it and can’t wait for more!
Originally posted at: http://iliveforreading.blogspot.com/2...
I haven’t read much about the USA during this time period, so this was a really interesting and different read for me. It felt like reading one of those timeless classics, such as the Little House books, especially the descriptions of helping out at home and on the farm. I really liked how the author really explored roles and professions at the time, as well as the general public’s view and relations with the Native Americans. While the book was slightly slow paced, it was a unique concept and was a well-thought out story.
I really enjoyed Violet’s character, although some of her decisions I didn’t really know what to make of. I guess being in such situations might make me react differently but she acted quite childishly at some parts, which put me a little bit off. I really enjoyed Miss Nadia’s character though– one really sensible adult compared to the hysterical aunt and Mrs. Dell. Mrs. Agosa I felt kind of so-so about Mercy’s character, but she was an enjoyable edition overall.
I found it interesting how the different story lines were weaved with another. How Violet’s mother went away, how she works with Mrs. Nadia and her photography, the Native American stories and myths– all come together with the copper hand that Violet finds. While the book most of the time stays to a realistic plot, there are times when fantasy and magic come alive and create an spellbinding premise.
Copper Magic was an easy read, one that was intriguing and enchanting. Aimed for middle grade readers, Gibson’s novel will enthral children and adults alike from start to finish. Loved it and can’t wait for more!
February 27, 2014
***I am giving this one a 3.5 Star!
***I received this book for the Around the World ARC Tours for an honest review!
We I was happy to get this one, I loved the cover and the blurb seemed like it would be a good one! I Have to say it was a little young for me, I think it for sure is a younger read and the middle grade readers who love a journey will fall for this one!
Copper magic is about a 12-year-old girl named Violet Blake uncovering an ancient cooper hand. She believes this hand has magic and knows she could use it to make things right in her family, like bring back happiness to her heart wrecked father and bring back her mother and younger brother who have vanished, but Violet doesn’t know that one wish will release power that will erupt over her and her town Pigeon Harbor if she doesn’t stop it in time.
Cooper Magic is a great book for teens, Violet is young and still growing, young girls will be able to relate to her and her views in life. I liked the detail in the book I could see the visual of the surroundings in my mind. It kept for very interesting read. Saying that, I enjoyed the description of the Native Americans it really put a great picture in my head. Really the over writing was great it really made you feel like you where in the book!
I would suggest this one for the younger crowed. It is filled with magic and adventure and some history as well. I know my 8th would love this type of book! Thanks Gibson for this read I cant wait to read more from you!
***I received this book for the Around the World ARC Tours for an honest review!
We I was happy to get this one, I loved the cover and the blurb seemed like it would be a good one! I Have to say it was a little young for me, I think it for sure is a younger read and the middle grade readers who love a journey will fall for this one!
Copper magic is about a 12-year-old girl named Violet Blake uncovering an ancient cooper hand. She believes this hand has magic and knows she could use it to make things right in her family, like bring back happiness to her heart wrecked father and bring back her mother and younger brother who have vanished, but Violet doesn’t know that one wish will release power that will erupt over her and her town Pigeon Harbor if she doesn’t stop it in time.
Cooper Magic is a great book for teens, Violet is young and still growing, young girls will be able to relate to her and her views in life. I liked the detail in the book I could see the visual of the surroundings in my mind. It kept for very interesting read. Saying that, I enjoyed the description of the Native Americans it really put a great picture in my head. Really the over writing was great it really made you feel like you where in the book!
I would suggest this one for the younger crowed. It is filled with magic and adventure and some history as well. I know my 8th would love this type of book! Thanks Gibson for this read I cant wait to read more from you!
July 21, 2014
Set in 1906,a young girl named Violet Blake has been having a hard time. Her mother decided to up and leave, taking Violet’s younger brother with her and not explaining to anyone where she was going or why. Violent eventually stumbles upon a mystical artifact, a copper hand, which she believes holds power and magic. It is something new and exciting and when it is take from her along with all hope that her mother will return, she is faced with what could be both life-changing and dangerous decisions.
This book is a gathering of layers of magic and fantasy with historical realism and overwhelming details of life in 1906 and the struggles for the peoples in that period. I found it to be both a bit overwhelming but also beautiful. This book is being marketed for a young adult audience but I really think that it reads a bit older and that is saying a lot as this is Julia Mary Gibson’s debut novel.
I found the plot to be hurtling forward at times and dragging at others which is why I have not given it a higher rating, but the characters are vibrant and the story overall is a powerful tale. I have seen that some reviewers took the realism and the historical aspects more to heart than the magic and fantastical elements of the story – which is fine. I think that this is one of those books that you can read as a realistic picture with some magic or as purely fantasy. It has a lot more depth than one originally thinks and that is why I enjoyed this book so much.
This book is a gathering of layers of magic and fantasy with historical realism and overwhelming details of life in 1906 and the struggles for the peoples in that period. I found it to be both a bit overwhelming but also beautiful. This book is being marketed for a young adult audience but I really think that it reads a bit older and that is saying a lot as this is Julia Mary Gibson’s debut novel.
I found the plot to be hurtling forward at times and dragging at others which is why I have not given it a higher rating, but the characters are vibrant and the story overall is a powerful tale. I have seen that some reviewers took the realism and the historical aspects more to heart than the magic and fantastical elements of the story – which is fine. I think that this is one of those books that you can read as a realistic picture with some magic or as purely fantasy. It has a lot more depth than one originally thinks and that is why I enjoyed this book so much.
June 25, 2014
While I understand that the main character, Violet, is twelve years old, the whole story came across as immature.
Perhaps twelve year olds were different in the early 1900's, but Violet acted overly mature in some scenes, then hopelessly childish in others. And the whole 'liar' thing fell flat. She starts the book telling us what a fantastic liar she is, then hardly lies throughout the book. When she does lie, it's even obvious to her how weak and easily broken the lie is. And her friend kept forgiving her lies like they were nothing. It kept making me think "What's the point?", and I couldn't find one.
It struck me as very odd that there were no repercussions for Violet bloodying the nose of the hateful favored Willis. Surely his father or someone in camp would have noticed! I also felt Violet's father must be a bit funny in the head, because he behaved very inconsistently through the course of the story.
There was one major plot error, the 'theft' that the late-plot conflict hinged upon. The keys were found BEFORE the accused was asked to deliver the purse to its owner (Chapter 23). (Which, with the obvious hate-mongering going on, was a foolish thing for our oh-so-wise mentor character to do.) Later in the story (Chapter 25), the keys were said to be found AFTER the accused had the purse in their possession.
Not a bad story overall, just a few too many inconsistencies for me to stay wrapped in the story
Perhaps twelve year olds were different in the early 1900's, but Violet acted overly mature in some scenes, then hopelessly childish in others. And the whole 'liar' thing fell flat. She starts the book telling us what a fantastic liar she is, then hardly lies throughout the book. When she does lie, it's even obvious to her how weak and easily broken the lie is. And her friend kept forgiving her lies like they were nothing. It kept making me think "What's the point?", and I couldn't find one.
It struck me as very odd that there were no repercussions for Violet bloodying the nose of the hateful favored Willis. Surely his father or someone in camp would have noticed! I also felt Violet's father must be a bit funny in the head, because he behaved very inconsistently through the course of the story.
There was one major plot error, the 'theft' that the late-plot conflict hinged upon. The keys were found BEFORE the accused was asked to deliver the purse to its owner (Chapter 23). (Which, with the obvious hate-mongering going on, was a foolish thing for our oh-so-wise mentor character to do.) Later in the story (Chapter 25), the keys were said to be found AFTER the accused had the purse in their possession.
Not a bad story overall, just a few too many inconsistencies for me to stay wrapped in the story
August 14, 2014
I received a copy of this book through NetGalley for an honest review.
When young Violet finds a copper hand buried in the sand, she knows to be before something powerful, something magical. Wielding magic can only mean one thing: she will get what she wants: her mother and brother back, her father's trees to grow just fine, some money in her pocket, and that pretty dress she's been enamoured with. All she has to do is treat the Hand as it should, show it how nice a girl she is and it will reward her. Indeed she gets the dress and a job as an assistant to a photographer from the big city. She even gets herself a proper friend! But Violet is only a child who was never taught how to treat magical items, and the Hand and its magic are as old as the land she lives on. When Violet makes a mistake, the repercussions are beyond anything she could have imagined.
Copper Magic is a sweet tale of loss and longing, punctuated by moments of hope and something akin to happiness. It's also a book where it's hard to pinpoint the genre it belongs to. Historical due to its setting in early 20th century America? Fantasy or magical realism thanks to the copper hand's magic? Or perhaps just drama as a result of all the family problems Violet is part of? Regardless of genre, one thing is certain, it is a very good book.
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When young Violet finds a copper hand buried in the sand, she knows to be before something powerful, something magical. Wielding magic can only mean one thing: she will get what she wants: her mother and brother back, her father's trees to grow just fine, some money in her pocket, and that pretty dress she's been enamoured with. All she has to do is treat the Hand as it should, show it how nice a girl she is and it will reward her. Indeed she gets the dress and a job as an assistant to a photographer from the big city. She even gets herself a proper friend! But Violet is only a child who was never taught how to treat magical items, and the Hand and its magic are as old as the land she lives on. When Violet makes a mistake, the repercussions are beyond anything she could have imagined.
Copper Magic is a sweet tale of loss and longing, punctuated by moments of hope and something akin to happiness. It's also a book where it's hard to pinpoint the genre it belongs to. Historical due to its setting in early 20th century America? Fantasy or magical realism thanks to the copper hand's magic? Or perhaps just drama as a result of all the family problems Violet is part of? Regardless of genre, one thing is certain, it is a very good book.
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May 31, 2014
I recieved this book from the First Reads program. I was ecstatic to win this book in the giveaway because it seemed like a story that was worthwhile. You can be sure that i was even more excited when it arrived the next day in the mail. Which was today. I read the WHOLE book in one sitting as soon as i opened the package. It's listed for $18 in the US and $19 in Canada (*hardcover edition*). I loved all the characters. At first i felt that Violet's father was sort of a crazy bum but in the end his character sort of mellowed out. I loved the inserts of Greenstone's experiences with the Copper Hand, but i felt like it should have been more lengthy and descriptive for the audience to see how the hand affected her and how it related to Violet's own experiences. I don't want to give any spoilers but for one, i have to say that there should be a sequel to this because it seemed unfinished to me.
Overall, its a great book and it is worth the time.
Now for the hardcover price....
Overall, its a great book and it is worth the time.
Now for the hardcover price....
July 10, 2014
This book is very well written and suitable for anyone--young or ripe--who enjoys a good story. It is the tale of a pre-teen girl whose mother and baby brother have left her and her father to fend for themselves in a cabin in the woods in the early years of the 20th century. The girl's mounting frustration and desire to have them return, and the copper hand that has the potential to make this wish happen, are at the center of the story. Details about native American culture and lore dating back to ancient beliefs are revealed without being preachy. The story provides a window onto the limitations of what children are told and what they figure out on their own, and how separate a reality they can and often do lead from adults. Gibson's ability to convey time and place, her use of language, and her original take on a story of one child's challenges and choices make this a most enjoyable and satisfying read.
July 4, 2014
I enjoyed this book even though it was more middle grade school than YA but it’s still a great read and I’m sure the younger kids will love the adventure in this book.
We meet Violet who is a 12 year old girl who finds a copper hand and believes the magic it holds will bring back her fractured family together. But when playing with magic especially old magic things don’t always go the way you plan.
As I said earlier I enjoyed this book. It was a quick read for me and I did enjoy the journey that Violet goes on. Julia’s writing is descriptive and had me feeling as if I was in the book right along with Violet seeing and feeling everything right along with her.
I highly recommend this book to younger kids who enjoy a great adventure filled with magic and some history thrown in it. I am looking forward to reading more from Julia in the future. 3/5 Bloody Fangs
We meet Violet who is a 12 year old girl who finds a copper hand and believes the magic it holds will bring back her fractured family together. But when playing with magic especially old magic things don’t always go the way you plan.
As I said earlier I enjoyed this book. It was a quick read for me and I did enjoy the journey that Violet goes on. Julia’s writing is descriptive and had me feeling as if I was in the book right along with Violet seeing and feeling everything right along with her.
I highly recommend this book to younger kids who enjoy a great adventure filled with magic and some history thrown in it. I am looking forward to reading more from Julia in the future. 3/5 Bloody Fangs
July 20, 2016
Copper Magic is a beautifully written and engaging story. I love Gibson's polished prose, her well developed characters, and the way Gibson neatly weaves historical aspects through the plot. Violet has a strong, clear voice -- an imperfect character who's opinionated and sneaky but lovable and worth following. Gibson provides a wonderful sense of Native American traditions and tidbits of Lake Michigan history in the early 1900s. She's so adept at description and dialogue that I felt transported to a different time. Her history and themes of racism, classism, and demeaning cultural attitudes on the time weren't heavy handed. I particular loved the themes about making changes with the power of belief and how choices come with consequences that affect not only us but those around us.
If this book is a debut, then I can't wait to see what's next from Gibson.
If this book is a debut, then I can't wait to see what's next from Gibson.
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