Lauren Myracle is the author of many popular young adult novels, including the "Internet Girls" series. One of her unique contributions to the world of literature is her creation of "backward spells," which add a fun and whimsical element to her stories. Backward spells, as the name suggests, are spells that are cast by saying a phrase or word backwards. In Myracle's novels, these spells are often used by characters to add an element of magic or supernatural power to their lives. The spells can be as simple as reversing the letters in a word or as complex as creating a new language entirely. One of the most fascinating aspects of Myracle's backward spells is the way in which they are woven into the fabric of her stories.
“Grounded firmly in present-day middle school life, this has just enough magic to be unsettling and keep readers engaged. Natasha and her sisters, pretty Darya and creative Ava, are clearly drawn, believable characters. readers will be eager to see where her story goes.” — Kirkus Reviews
Hopeful that she can put her broken family back together, and eager to prove her pessimistic older sisters wrong, Ava realizes that fixing the future means changing the past. For her second wish a wish she can make come true herself , she wishes to go underwater right there, right then, and travel back in time to the last day of the second month of her mom s thirteenth year.
One of the most fascinating aspects of Myracle's backward spells is the way in which they are woven into the fabric of her stories. They become an integral part of the plot and serve to move the narrative forward. The spells add depth and complexity to the characters, as they navigate the challenges of using their newfound abilities responsibly.
The Backward Season (Wishing Day #3) (Paperback)
This is book number 3 in the Wishing Day series.
- #1: Wishing Day (Paperback): $7.34
- #2: The Forgetting Spell (Wishing Day #2) (Hardcover): $16.99
Description
From beloved and bestselling author Lauren Myracle comes the emotional conclusion to the Wishing Day trilogy, perfect for fans of Kate DiCamillo and Ingrid Law.
Now that her sisters Natasha and Darya have had their turn, Ava Blok finally gets her Wishing Day. But after seeing the unintended consequences of the wishes her sisters made, she’s not sure what to wish for. The only thing she’s certain of is that it’s her job to set things right.
Hopeful that she can put her broken family back together, and eager to prove her pessimistic older sisters wrong, Ava realizes that fixing the future means changing the past.
Will the journey her wishes take her on end up costing her everything?
About the Author
Lauren Myracle has written many books for tweens and teens, including the bestselling Winnie Years series and the Flower Power series. She lives with her family in Colorado, and she thinks life is the most magical adventure of all. www.laurenmyracle.com
Praise For…
Layered in time, the narrative includes flashbacks revealing a girl’s experiences during the previous generation, as well as a climactic time-travel sequence that is pivotal in bringing the series to its satisfying conclusion. — Booklist Online
“This is Myracle’s narrative sweet spot.” — Booklist on Wishing Day
“This unique coming-of-age story belongs in all middle grade collections.” — School Library Journal
“Heart! Humor! Sisterhood! Magic! Myracle’s new book has it all. My three wishes? World peace and two more Wishing Day novels.” — Sarah Mlynowski, New York Times bestselling author of the Whatever After series and coauthor of Upside Down Magic
“Grounded firmly in present-day middle school life, this has just enough magic to be unsettling and keep readers engaged. Natasha and her sisters, pretty Darya and creative Ava, are clearly drawn, believable characters. readers will be eager to see where her story goes.” — Kirkus Reviews
“Lauren Myracle’s Wishing Day is pure magic! A delightful read from start to finish.” — Lisa Greenwald, author of Pink & Green is the New Black
- Juvenile Fiction / Family / Multigenerational
- Juvenile Fiction / Fantasy & Magic
- Juvenile Fiction / Girls & Women
- Hardcover (April 3rd, 2018): $16.99
After getting some very helpful advice from Stanley (Natasha’s boyfriend) about wormholes, she goes and visits the bird lady because she knows that the bird lady knew mama. The bird lady eventually spills that she was the one to convince her mom, Klara, to make the wish about winning a contest instead of Emily, which has broken her family apart. So the bird lady tells her a secret so that Ava can go back in time and convince the bird lady in the past that she is actually being serious and not just making the whole story up.
Beyond their literary significance, backward spells also have a symbolic importance in Myracle's work. They serve as a metaphor for the power of words and language, and the ways in which they can shape our reality. The use of backward spells in her novels encourages readers to think about the ways in which words can be used for both good and evil, and the responsibility that comes with possessing the power of language. In conclusion, backward spells are a unique and enchanting aspect of Lauren Myracle's writing. They add a touch of magic and wonder to her stories, while also exploring deeper themes of language and power. Whether used for comedic effect or as a serious plot device, these spells are an integral part of Myracle's storytelling style..
Reviews for "The World of Backward Spells: Lauren Myracle's Approach to Magic"
1. Emily - 1 star - I was really disappointed with "Backward Spells" by Lauren Myracle. The plot felt disjointed and confusing, and I found it hard to connect with the characters. The book seemed to jump from one event to another without giving any real explanation or development. I also felt that the writing style was juvenile and lacked depth. Overall, I found this book to be a major letdown and would not recommend it.
2. John - 2 stars - "Backward Spells" was not what I expected. The premise sounded intriguing, but the execution fell flat. The pacing was off, with too much time spent on insignificant details and not enough on the actual plot. The characters were underdeveloped and lacked depth, making it difficult to feel invested in their journeys. Additionally, the writing style felt forced and unnatural, making it hard to fully immerse myself in the story. Overall, I was disappointed with this book and don't think it lived up to its potential.
3. Sarah - 1 star - I really struggled to get through "Backward Spells" by Lauren Myracle. The story lacked coherence and was filled with plot holes. The dialogue between characters felt forced and unrealistic, making it hard to truly connect with them. The pacing was slow and dragged on in many parts, which made it a chore to finish. Overall, I found this book to be poorly written and lacking in substance. I would not recommend it to others.
4. Michael - 2 stars - I found "Backward Spells" to be underwhelming. The plot felt contrived and predictable, with few surprises or twists. The character development was weak, and I found it hard to root for or connect with any of the protagonists. The writing style was simplistic and lacked nuance, making the story feel shallow. Overall, I was disappointed with this book and do not think it is worth the read.