Magick Hoodoo Child by Amber McBride, Violeta Encarnación
Published by Harper on January 20, 2026
ISBN: 0063395401
Genres: Cultural / African American, Family, Folklore, Nature
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads

Juniper is one way at school; quiet, shy, trying to stay out of the bullies’ way with the help of her tiny mojo bag. She is just trying to get through until the wonderful day her Mama helps her pack up her empty mason jars to take to her Grandma’s house for the summer.
At Grandma’s she wanders barefoot through the Southern woods and thrives under the tutelage of her grandmother in the learning of ancestral rootwork. She communes with the plants and the work of her ancestors from Africa, in gratitude for all of Nature’s gifts.
As she packs to head back to the city her grandma reminds her that this is who she is, she is a hoodoo child, following in the footsteps of her ancestors. This is a beautiful story of self discovery and self love.

Ages 4-7
Reviewed by MaryAnn Lopes, Elementary Librarian. Lewiston Public Schools, Lewiston, Maine.