The Forgotten Magic of Zoey Turner - by Erin Stewart (Hardcover)

About the Book

Since her father died Zoey Turner has been subject to panic attacks, but she also has a magic pencil that turns the stories she writes into reality, but the stories can go sideways, and Zoey can not control them until she faces her anxieties.

Book Synopsis

A girl whose anxiety disorder has been ruling her life since her father's death unexpectedly has the story she's written come alive in this adventurous and tender middle grade fantasy perfect for fans of Barbara Dee and Jamie Sumner.

Zoey Turner used to see magic everywhere. With a dad like Zoey's, it was hard not to. Not only did they read The Magic of Ever After series together every day, they also used to create original stories together. Used to. Ever since her dad died unexpectedly last year, all Zoey sees is danger.

Fear has shrunk homeschooled Zoey's life to the span of one block, where she keeps close to the people that she needs the most. Her mom is almost never out of sight, and Jada, the owner of Ever After Books, is always around to talk about their favorite fantasy trilogy. Zoey finally ventures outside her comfort zone for the chance to meet famed author Raven M. Wells, only for the outing to lead to a panic attack.

Instead of a signed book, Zoey ends up with a novelty pencil embossed with the phrase make your own magic that she uses to cope with her disappointment by writing a story like the ones she and her dad shared. The next day, Zoey is shocked to find her fantastical tale has come true. Emboldened by the pencil, Zoey takes risks she thought were long behind her in pursuit of her happy ending. But is she really in charge of how the story ends?

Review Quotes

Stewart uses her excellent descriptive talents to share the intense reality of a young girl's experience of grief and its resultant panic attacks and agoraphobia. Believable supporting characters and a satisfying surprise reveal make this a worthwhile read. Recommended for middle-graders who appreciate their reality sprinkled with magic, this tale of transformation will be an excellent addition to library collections. --Booklist "12/01/2024"

Stewart (The Words We Keep) depicts mental health challenges with a touch of magic in this bewitching tale, a middle grade debut. --Publishers Weekly "10/7/2024"

This emotional narrative skillfully informs readers about anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder and will comfort anyone facing challenges similar to the main characters', reminding them to look for the pockets of joy in every day and inspiring them to discover their own forgotten magic.

Hope prevails in this story, filled with a resounding authenticity. (Fantasy. 10-13)--Kirkus, STARRED REVIEW "11/15/2024"