The Girl Who Kept the Castle

When vainglorious Wizard West—one of the four wizards responsible for maintaining the balance of magic on the island of Solum—dies in his sleep and becomes a ghost, his pride won’t allow him to accept such a mundane death. So, it’s up to the members of his estate staff, including the groundskeeper’s 12-year-old daughter, Faye Gardner, to pretend all is well while helping West conduct a highly publicized contest to select his successor. As the contestants descend upon his castle, Faye—who reads as white and sports feline features thanks to one of West’s curses—is run ragged trying to keep the spirit focused, the contest on track, and the estate’s magical creatures safe. She must also use her own clandestine talent for spells despite a prohibition against unauthorized (i.e., non-wizard) magic. And if a successor isn’t chosen soon, the magic maintaining the castle will vanish, and the structure will crumble. Graudin (The World Between Blinks) offers a heartfelt romp featuring a resourceful heroine and an engrossing setting. Faye’s struggle to preserve her home and prove her own worth in the face of societal restrictions and Wizard West’s ego proves satisfyingly upbeat and all-around entertaining. Ages 8–12. Agent: Tracey Adams, Adams Literary. (June)