SLJ May Review - Saturday Magic: A Hoodoo Story
The Saturday Magic team received a truly stunning review from School Library Journal for Saturday Magic: A Hoodoo Story!
I am so thankful!
Thank You,
First, The Ancestors and my spirit team. For always reminding me of my anchor.
To my mother-in-love, Kenda Bell, for being willing to take a chance at creating together and being so instrumental in my spiritual and Hoodoo reclamation.
My agents, Lary & Barbra, for always believing in my projects and being willing to be their cheerleaders for their need to be birthed into our world.
The Running Press Team
To Allison Cohen - for believing and seeing the vision. listening to my voice. showing trust. being a literary midwife.
To Kara, Rebecca, Frances, Betsy, Shannon, Ana-Maria, and all others who have cared for, nurtured, and loved on, any ideas of mine.
Sobbing in deep gratitude for you all <3
♥
Thank you,
for extending the ripples and waves of my words.
This review is included in their May 2024 issue:
K-Gr 2–Dayo wakes up one Saturday morning after dreaming of a yellow bird and spends her day trying to uncover its meaning. She and her family practice Hoodoo, and their spiritual affirmations and rituals guide Dayo to be observant, to honor her heritage and community, to call on her ancestors, and to use her intuition as she considers her dream. Ultimately, she comes to discover its meaning for herself, with the gentle support of those in her circle. The story is a celebration of a specific version of Black spirituality and culture, and the bright, buoyant art only adds to the joy. Pops of yellow, bold African prints, and lots of background detail enrich the cheerful illustrations, and a few cleverly placed yellow birds will reward observant readers. All characters have brown skin, and a variety of hairstyles are featured; a secondary character has two mothers. Back matter includes a recipe from the story. Â
VERDICT Loving and ebullient, this affirming title offers a glimpse into aspects of the ÂAfrican diaspora not often centered in picture books and often misunderstood. A necessary Âpurchase.–Lauren Strohecker
Saturday Magic: Pre-order