Conjure Island by Eden Royce
Published by Walden Pond Press on June 27, 2023
ISBN: 0062899619
Pages: 320
Genres: Fantasy
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads

Due to her grandmother’s illness, Del must spend the summer with her great grandmother, who she didn’t know existed. Her great grandmother, Nana Rose, lives on an island in South Carolina and runs a school that teaches “conjure magic” with the goal of preserving the rich culture of formerly enslaved people. Del is skeptical but slowly starts to believe in this magic and realizes she is in the perfect place to find the answer to questions her family won’t answer. Specifically, why did her grandmother leave Nemmine Island so long ago and why won’t she talk about Nana Rose? This summer is important for Del as she learns about the importance of friendship and she develops a connection with her family that she didn’t know was missing. Middle grade readers will enjoy this stand alone fantasy novel. The setting is unique and there is enough intrigue and potential danger to keep readers engaged.

Reviewed  by Lindsay Varnum, Orono Public Library