The Language of Spells
Written by Garret Weyr and Illustrated by Katie Harnett
A California Book Award Gold Medal, Bank Street Best Book of the Year, a 2019 CCBC Choices selection, and a Junior Library Guild selection
★ "Lovely and lyrical.. extraordinary piece on grace and, finally, love." —Booklist, Starred Review
★ "Extraordinary-not to be missed." —Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review
"An affecting, melancholy story that asks intriguing questions about the costs of power." —Publishers Weekly
"Reminds readers that there might be magic all around us, even if we cannot see it." —School Library Journal
"An extraordinary tale that meshes real historical events with a winning cast of magical creatures... an ideal read-aloud that fantasy lovers of all ages can enjoy." —BookPage
“Reading Garret's story was like being with an old friend. Where there are dragons, there is a story; let this lovely tale weave its spell.” —Kathi Appelt, author of the National Book Award Finalist and Newbery Honor book The Underneath
“What a writer! What a setting! So many gorgeous sentences! I loved it. The enchantment of a tender, empowering friendship builds so softly, so gradually, and with so much force that, before you realize what's happened, you've gone over the edge and there's no turning back. A coming of age tale combined with an ageless fantasy. Wise and sweet, sharp and dear, a poem of a story.” —Karen Romano Young
“A magical tale of marvels and a marvelous tale of magic. The Language of Spells reads—and feels—like a classic of children's literature.” —Adam Gidwitz, Newbery Honor–winning author of The Inquisitor’s Tale and A Tale Dark and Grimm