Graceful: A Wish Novel
(Libby/OverDrive eAudiobook)

The saga of the magic vortex in Willow Falls that began with 11 Birthdays (2009) concludes with a final episode that ties up loose ends neatly and peeks into each character's future. It's fifth-grader Grace's turn to wield the magic, and she faces a big decision far earlier than she and her friends expected. Luckily, she turns out to be up to the challenge. Readers who have followed the fortunes of Amanda, Leo, Rory, Tara, Connor, David, and Grace through four previous titles will be satisfied by the conclusion, but, as the author warns, new readers should not start here.--Isaacs, Kathleen Copyright 2015 Booklist

Gr 4-7-Fifth grade Grace narrates another magical vortex story, with intermittent contributions from protectors Team Grace. Angelina D'Angelo has moved away after losing her powers. Grace, who had combined her vortex-bestowed gifts with Angelina to cure a friend's dad, now has only partial use of her magic, although her abilities are portrayed inconsistently. Angelina sends cryptic postcard messages, and ominous town happenings presage a cataclysm, which Grace must determine how to combat. Apart from the magical action are the somewhat contrived pairings of the young people into three couples. The story ends with futuristic vignettes of each character's adult life. Kathleen McInerney's effective reading facilitates visualization of every scene. Those new to the series will want to explore the earlier titles first. VERDICT For middle grade libraries where the "Willow Falls" series is popular.-Rebecca James, Hathaway Brown School, Shaker Heights, OH © Copyright 2015. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Grace and her crew take turns narrating as they follow the clues of mysterious postcards, alter the past, and search for the vortex that gave Grace her special powers. Though not a stand-alone novel, much of the backstory is filled in through texts, journals, emails, poems, and letters. This satisfying finale to the Willow Falls books ends with a look into the team's happy futures. (c) Copyright 2015. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

The saga of the magic vortex in Willow Falls that began with 11 Birthdays (2009) concludes with a final episode that ties up loose ends neatly and peeks into each character's future. It's fifth-grader Grace's turn to wield the magic, and she faces a big decision far earlier than she and her friends expected. Luckily, she turns out to be up to the challenge. Readers who have followed the fortunes of Amanda, Leo, Rory, Tara, Connor, David, and Grace through four previous titles will be satisfied by the conclusion, but, as the author warns, new readers should not start here. Copyright 2014 Booklist Reviews.