Shakti is a young Indian American girl who has moved around a bit. Now, rooted for a few years while her mom completes a phD, Shakti is hoping to make friends. When she meets Xi, things start looking up. However, her middle school has three mean girls named Harini, Emily, and Kelly (HEK) who seem to have the entire school under their sway.

Sindu’s world is one in which magic is accessible to many and is incorporated into the flow of life. Shakti is a descendant of the goddess Durga Ma and has access to ancient Indian magic. Durga Ma is a goddess of light and strength, but she is tied to her twin Kali Ma, the goddess of death and destruction. When one wields the power of Durga Ma care has to be taken not to also awaken Kali Ma. When Xi and Shakti attempt to stop a powerful spell being cast by HEK, they not only tap into Durga Ma’s power, but they bring forth Kali Ma, who proceeds to spread illness and destruction across the town, including to Shakti’s own mother who is about to have a baby.

Each page contains just a few panels and the illustrations are bright and dynamic. Readers will be drawn to the fiery title on the cover and to the topics of witchcraft and magic. The story is well-crafted with interludes to explain the two forces that are Durga Ma and Kali Ma. Readers will be drawn into the action and will route for Shakti as she races to undo her clumsy spell. A book that explores the challenges of growing up and being ready to handle things with real-world consequences. Highly recommend for any middle grade graphic novel collection.

Reviewed by Jill O’Connor, Falmouth Middle School