The world of witchcraft and magic has always fascinated readers, and there are countless books that explore this enchanting realm. Some of these books, however, delve into the lives of the poorest witches, shedding light on a different aspect of the magical world. These stories often follow witches who come from humble backgrounds, lacking the resources and privileges of their more affluent counterparts. The protagonists of these books face struggles and challenges that are not often seen in other magical tales. One of the central themes in these stories is the resilience and resourcefulness of the poorest witches. Despite facing difficult circumstances, they find creative ways to navigate the magical world and make the most of their limited means.
"The characters in “The Worst Witch” are all based on my school days. Mildred is based on myself when I had plaits so long that I could sit on them! Maud is based on my little best friend, Elizabeth, and all the teachers (both nice and nasty) are based on my schoolteachers. It was a very strict school and I began to think up the story of Mildred when I was still at the school, aged fifteen. I used to draw little pictures of Mildred, with her pointy witch’s hat, all over my school exercise book. I made them into witches because I thought it would add a touch of magic to the story. “The Worst Witch” was published forty years ago when I was twenty-four, but I had been trying to get it published since I was eighteen. I still have the first rejection letter, dated 1969 stuck on my notice-board to cheer me up when I’m feeling down!" [7]
If you loved Miss Cackle s Academy and are looking for another exciting school-based adventure, try Diary of an Accidental Witch or the classic boarding school series Malory Towers. Or at least not until Fran points out that TIGA WHICABIM is actually an anagram of I AM A BIG WITCH and magics her away down the drainpipes to compete in Witch Wars - the competition to crown the next Top Witch of Ritzy City.
Despite facing difficult circumstances, they find creative ways to navigate the magical world and make the most of their limited means. These stories highlight the idea that magic does not depend on material wealth, but rather on inner strength and determination. Additionally, the poorest witch books often touch upon social and economic inequality within magical societies.
The Worst Witch and the Wishing Star (Paperback)
This is book number 7 in the Worst Witch series.
- #1: The Worst Witch at Sea (Paperback): $6.99
- #2: A Bad Spell for the Worst Witch (Paperback): $6.99
- #3: The Worst Witch (Paperback): $6.99
- #4: The Worst Witch Strikes Again (Paperback): $6.99
- #5: The Worst Witch Saves the Day (Paperback): $6.99
- #6: The Worst Witch to the Rescue (Hardcover): $14.99
- #8: Three Cheers for the Worst Witch (Paperback): $8.99
- #9: First Prize for the Worst Witch (Hardcover): $14.99
Description
Be careful what you wish for! Mildred Hubble, disaster-prone witch in training, is back in a seventh charming magical adventure.
Mildred Hubble may be the clumsiest witch at Miss Cackle’s Academy, but as a senior student she’s been assigned the important task of lighting lanterns and candelabras each evening. Inspired by this responsibility, Mildred tries to stay out of trouble. But there are many opportunities for mayhem when a wish on a star leads to a lovable stray pup who, unlike Mildred’s timid tabby, loves to fly on a broomstick. Can Mildred keep Star a secret and avoid setting fire to the school despite an impending talent competition, the disapproving Miss Hardbroom, and her ever-spiteful classmate Ethel Hallow?
About the Author
Jill Murphy (1949-2021) began drawing and writing stories at a very early age and was already putting books together (albeit with a stapler) by the time she was six. She was only eighteen when she wrote The Worst Witch. Her books about the lovable but disaster-prone Mildred Hubble sold more than five million copies worldwide and became much-loved classics. Jill Murphy also wrote and illustrated several award-winning picture books for younger children.
- Juvenile Fiction / Girls & Women
- Juvenile Fiction / School & Education
- Juvenile Fiction / Fantasy & Magic
- Hardcover (August 25th, 2015): $14.99
She was given an interview for the convent, and after holding forth about Dickens – “I said David Copperfield was my favourite because I like the bits when he’s young but I think his heroines are very silly when they grow up” – she remembers hearing the interviewers collapsing with laughter as she left. But they must have liked her, because she got in – only to find herself “bumping along at the bottom”, her brilliance in English and art unable to make up for her struggles in other subjects.
They explore the divide between the rich and the poor, and how this divide affects the lives of witches from different backgrounds. These stories draw attention to the unfairness of a system that grants some witches more privilege and power simply based on their financial status. While these stories may not be as glamorous or extravagant as some other witch books, they bring a sense of realism and relatability to the genre. Through the struggles and triumphs of the poorest witches, readers are reminded that anyone, regardless of their circumstances, can find their place in the magical world. These books also impart important lessons about empathy and compassion. They urge readers to look beyond material wealth and recognize the value and potential in every individual, regardless of their socioeconomic status. The poorest witch books encourage readers to challenge societal norms and strive for a more inclusive and equitable magical realm. In conclusion, the poorest witch books offer a refreshing perspective on the magical world, focusing on the lives of witches from humble backgrounds. These stories celebrate the resilience and resourcefulness of the protagonists while shedding light on social and economic inequality within magical societies. Through their relatability and important lessons, these books remind readers that magic is not defined by material wealth, but by inner strength and determination..
Reviews for "The Witch's Burden: Examining the Challenges of Being Poor and Magical"
1. Sarah - 2 stars
I really wanted to like "The Poorest Witch" books, but I just couldn't get into them. The story felt incredibly predictable and lacked any real depth or originality. The characters were one-dimensional and uninteresting, making it difficult to connect with them or care about their journey. Additionally, the writing style was overly simplistic and lacked the richness and descriptive language that I enjoy in a fantasy book. Overall, I found "The Poorest Witch" books to be a disappointment and wouldn't recommend them.
2. Mark - 1 star
I regret picking up "The Poorest Witch" books. The plot was extremely slow-moving, and it felt like nothing significant happened throughout the entire series. The world-building was weak, and I was left with many unanswered questions about the magical system and the overall setting. The protagonist was annoying and lacked any real development. I also found the humor forced and cringeworthy. Overall, I found "The Poorest Witch" books to be a waste of time and would advise others to steer clear.
3. Emily - 2 stars
I had high hopes for "The Poorest Witch" books, but unfortunately, they fell short. The story lacked coherence and seemed to jump from one event to another without any real purpose or direction. The writing was uninspiring, and I found myself struggling to stay engaged with the narrative. The characters were forgettable, and their motivations were unclear. Overall, "The Poorest Witch" books left me feeling disappointed and unsatisfied, and I wouldn't recommend them to others.
4. Jason - 2.5 stars
"The Poorest Witch" books had a promising concept, but the execution fell flat. The pacing was off, with long stretches of boredom followed by rushed action sequences that were difficult to follow. The dialogue felt stilted and unnatural, making it hard to become invested in the interactions between characters. Additionally, the world-building lacked depth and left much to be desired. While there were some enjoyable moments, overall, "The Poorest Witch" books didn't live up to the hype for me.