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A Snicker of Magic by Natalie Lloyd5/25/2023 ![]() ![]() Twelve-year-old Felicity knows all about things like that her nomadic mother is cursed with a wandering heart. But that was long ago, before a curse drove the magic away. ![]() Though characterization can feel flimsy, Lloyd ( The Key to Extraordinary) deftly sketches oppressive social and economic circumstances and firmly establishes Mallie’s bravery. About A Snicker of Magic Midnight Gulch used to be a magical place, a town where people could sing up thunderstorms and dance up sunflowers. The bond between Mallie and her Starbird, Leo, proves strong as an evil plot comes to light, as does her chemistry with her best friend Adam and the horse trainer Iggy. When a flyer calls for “fellers” (“orphans preferred”) “unafraid to ride and race and fly in the fear of certain death,” Mallie bravely volunteers to fly Starbirds-airborne horses-and collect gold dust from distant mountaintops. Mallie Ramble manages her work as a maid in the valley just fine, though her employer condescends to her about her artificial arm, an orange “Popsnap” in “a universal color that fits everybody.” Above the valley, Mallie’s dust-covered home on Coal Top is ruled by malevolent authorities who threaten to force Mallie’s beloved seven-year-old brother into the mines. A Snicker of Magic by Natalie Lloyd will charm and delight readers because it is Spendiferous, Spindiddly, and Factofabulous Told in the inventive voice of Felicity Pickle, A Snicker of Magic is filled with the treasuredand invented words collected by the quirky and determined girl. A 12-year-old struggles as her family’s sole breadwinner until a dangerous opportunity offers financial freedom. ![]()
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