Root Magic

By: Eden Royce

Narrated by: Imani Parks

Length: 9 hrs and 54 mins

Publisher's summary

“A poignant, necessary entry into the children’s literary canon, Root Magic brings to life the history and culture of Gullah people while highlighting the timeless plight of Black Americans. Add in a fun, magical adventure and you get everything I want in a book!” (Justina Ireland, New York Times best-selling author of Dread Nation)

Debut author Eden Royce arrives with a wondrous story of love, bravery, friendship, and family, filled to the brim with magic great and small.

It’s 1963, and things are changing for Jezebel Turner. Her beloved grandmother has just passed away. The local police deputy won’t stop harassing her family. With school integration arriving in South Carolina, Jez and her twin brother, Jay, are about to begin the school year with a bunch of new kids. But the biggest change comes when Jez and Jay turn 11 - and their uncle, Doc, tells them he’s going to train them in rootwork.

Jez and Jay have always been fascinated by the African American folk magic that has been the legacy of their family for generations - especially the curious potions and powders Doc and Gran would make for the people on their island. But Jez soon finds out that her family’s true power goes far beyond small charms and elixirs…and not a moment too soon. Because when evil both natural and supernatural comes to show itself in town, it’s going to take every bit of the magic she has inside her to see her through.

Walter Dean Myers Honor Award for Outstanding Children's Literature!

©2021 Eden Royce (P)2021 HarperCollins Publishers

Great story

I didn’t want this story to end. It was very engaging and gave such a realistic experience of what it was like to grow up in a family with root magic.

Amazing!!!

I stumbled upon this gem because of my nephew's inquisitive 7th grade mind (proud Auntie moment)🥰 I started reading and was upset everytime I had to put it down and to end up leaving without finishing 💔 Determined to know the full story I searched and found the audible for a fraction of the cost and immediate satisfaction versus ordering and having to wait a possible week! Your girl chose the former and I could not have made a better choice because I sat with baited breath listening to the sweet narrator's voice that helped me envision Jezebel all the more! Will definitely be purchasing hard copies for myself and my babies who I know their now curious minds will begin. to pay attention to how much of their past and family history they remember or would like to know about. Remembering the time spent with a grandmother that no longer has a physical space but is still connected to you through the spiritual space you didn't even know was there makes me love the Turners even more! ❤ Again very well written can't wait to know more! 👏🏾😊

Excellent!!

This was a beautiful experience. I was captivated throughout the entire story, and the real and accurate references to root work made the story relatable…an excellent read!

A Cry of Joy

When I say there were tears, I had to hold back. It just made me remember all the stories that my great-grandmother would use to tell me about living during that time period. She was born in 1928, so you could ONLY imagine the struggle that was. And some of the things that my grandmother used to teach me were said in the book! She used to teach me the healing properties of root magic, what herb did what, what plant was used for what, and how they used to grind up different things and make teas out of them. I think those traditions should be kept within the family and ALWAYS taught and passed down regardless of how people view them. I am grateful and thank GOD every day for being able to experience that and learn that way.

An awesome book and damn sure good listen!

Well written, Wonderfully narrated, & informative

I really enjoyed this coming of age story. The ordinary and magical aspects are grounded and believable. Jazebel is a good protagonist with compassion and respect for the earth and all creatures. I appreciate this look into a culture I knew very little about.

Really fun!

A really fun story about magic, token place in a long time ago made it a bit more exciting too.

Excellent Story

Perfect fact telling through story. Also a good way for adults to learn to understand root work.

A fantastic book.

This book is absolutely amazing! The way the Author Married her experiences with real events, and the supernatural, really shows the depths of her as a powerful writer. The book had great characters, great action, great plot, and a great overall message. This book also gives you a better understanding about the Root work, and those who practice it.


   

   

Captivating

Jezebel is strong lovable main character that takes us into the world of root magic. To preserve her family traditions, she must, even though it makes her an outsider at school.it becomes a necessity to protect them from police brutality in the early 60’s south. Magic meets reality in this heartfelt tale. Bring me a sequel.

Beautiful Story

Root Magic held my attention from start to finish. In fact its 2am and I'm just now finishing it. I'm glad that family got justice, but sorry they had to endure for years.