A pair of sisters must hide their magical secrets while navigating the social hurdles of a brand-new town.
In this first installment by S.A. Griffin, we meet eleven-year-old Willow and her younger sister, Delia. The girls have just moved to a coastal town following the mysterious disappearance of their mother, and they are struggling to fit in while keeping their burgeoning witchcraft under wraps. Willow is the responsible one, trying to keep Delia’s impulsive magic from being noticed by their new classmates or their suspicious aunt. This series currently spans three books, giving students plenty of material to dive into once they get hooked on the sisters’ journey.
This series is a fantastic fit for English learners because the dialogue is grounded in realistic, everyday school life. The short chapters and frequent illustrations provide constant breaks, which helps readers who might otherwise feel overwhelmed by long blocks of text. Because the art style remains consistent across all three books, students can rely on visual cues to recognize recurring characters and settings, making it much easier to follow the plot as it evolves. In a classroom setting, the relatable themes of moving schools and making friends offer a great entry point for discussion, while the supernatural elements keep the energy high. As readers move from the first book to the next, the familiar layout helps them gain speed and confidence without having to relearn a new author’s “rules” or vocabulary style.
Total Books in Series: 3
Best Starting Point: The Witches of Pepperwood Bay
