Healer and Witch

<b>Gracefully explores themes of identity family and belonging. . . . Werlin brings compassion and complexity to her depictions of the relationships between characters. --<i>Shelf Awareness</i> (starred review) </b> <p/>Nancy Werlin's first story for middle-grade readers tackles and transcends traditional fantasy tropes: can a young woman gifted with magic learn to manage her powers--and claim her strength--without violence? Sylvie and her mother and grandmother are beloved trusted healers in their medieval French village though some whisper that fifteen-year-old Sylvie and her grand-mere deal in more than just herbs and medicines. Perhaps they're a bit . . . witchy? After her grandmother dies and an attempt to use magic to heal her mother's grief brooks tragic consequences Sylvie leaves her village in search of a teacher. The journey subjects her to strange alliances powerful temptations danger and deceit. In the end there may be only one wise woman Sylvie can trust in a world that would define her limits: herself. Beautifully crafted this quietly powerful work for younger readers assures a whole new audience for an established author.