The Best Kind of Magic
By: Crystal Cestari
Amber Sand is not a witch. The Sand family magical gene somehow leapfrogged over her. But she did get one highly specific bewitching talent: she can see true love. As a matchmaker, Amber's pretty far down the sorcery food chain (even birthday party magicians rank higher), but after five seconds of eye contact, she can envision anyone's soul mate.
Amber works at her mother's magic shop-Windy City Magic-in downtown Chicago, and she's confident she's seen every kind of happy ending there is: except for one-her own. (The Fates are tricky jerks that way.) So when Charlie Blitzman, the mayor's son and most-desired boy in school, comes to her for help finding his father's missing girlfriend, she's distressed to find herself falling for him. Because while she can't see her own match, she can see his--and it's not Amber. How can she, an honest peddler of true love, pursue a boy she knows full well isn't her match?
The Best Kind of Magic is set in urban Chicago and will appeal to readers who long for magic in the real world. With a sharp-witted and sassy heroine, a quirky cast of mystical beings, and a heady dose of adventure, this novel will have you laughing out loud and questioning your belief in happy endings.
By: Crystal Cestari
Amber Sand is not a witch. The Sand family magical gene somehow leapfrogged over her. But she did get one highly specific bewitching talent: she can see true love. As a matchmaker, Amber's pretty far down the sorcery food chain (even birthday party magicians rank higher), but after five seconds of eye contact, she can envision anyone's soul mate.
Amber works at her mother's magic shop-Windy City Magic-in downtown Chicago, and she's confident she's seen every kind of happy ending there is: except for one-her own. (The Fates are tricky jerks that way.) So when Charlie Blitzman, the mayor's son and most-desired boy in school, comes to her for help finding his father's missing girlfriend, she's distressed to find herself falling for him. Because while she can't see her own match, she can see his--and it's not Amber. How can she, an honest peddler of true love, pursue a boy she knows full well isn't her match?
The Best Kind of Magic is set in urban Chicago and will appeal to readers who long for magic in the real world. With a sharp-witted and sassy heroine, a quirky cast of mystical beings, and a heady dose of adventure, this novel will have you laughing out loud and questioning your belief in happy endings.
Activity 1
Would you rather be a witch or a matchmaker? Do you think Charlie is Amber’s true love? Using a piece of paper, divide it into two sections with a line down the middle. On one side, put witch and the other put matchmaker. Write at least five things that would be great about being a witch and then on the other side, five things that would be great about being a matchmaker. Which one won? |
Activity 2
Amber’s mom owns a shop on the Navy Pier in Chicago. What’s that? Do some research and either create a poster or PowerPoint about the Navy Pier. Make sure you include a picture, what you can do there, and what kind of shops there are. Have you ever visited there? Would you lie to? Make sure you include both of those pieces of information in your finished project. |
Activity 3
Ivy is the type of character/person that we’ve all had to deal with. She doesn’t believe there is any way that Charlie could like Amber. She’s mean, hateful, and disrespectful. Tell me about a situation where you’ve had to deal with a similar person, either male or female. How did you handle it? I hope that you didn’t let them get you down, but share the outcome with me as well. I hope you never have to deal with an “Ivy” in your world!! |