Advance Praise for AIRRELLE:
Airrelle’s winning, adventurous voice propels the story, while her evolving friendship with Rabiah forms its emotional core. . . . Familiar magical worldbuilding, which involves patron animals, talking birds, and sentient plants, rounds out this tender tale of hope and belonging.
—Publishers Weekly
While this is a story of magic, the book also interweaves themes of acceptance and belonging, with inspiration drawn from historic maroon societies of escaped enslaved people who thrived in secret communities. . . . The magical elements are cute and fun, and the relationship between Airrelle and the supporting characters is sweet.
—School Library Journal
Debut novelist Beck offers a strong portrayal of a bold, curious, helpful, and caring witch-in-training.
—Kirkus Reviews
Beck’s middle-grade debut is a sweet coming-of-age story that mixes the mundane with the magical. The exploration of historical maroon societies will pique readers’ curiosity, and it serves as the perfect jumping-off point for further research. . . . its true strength lies in the character interactions, and Airrelle has a curious voice that adds a certain gravity to her observations of the outside world. Reminiscent of Kiki’s Delivery Service, this fantasy tale delightfully balances whimsy and real-life issues.
—Booklist
Beck’s juxtaposition of past injustices with Missen Dessalin’s self-appointed duty to help those in need provides a beautiful message of healing and hope. Airrelle of the Maroon Witches is a fantasy bursting at the seams with botanical richness, colorful, textured realms, and a bounty of animal patrons that ensure readers are fully immersed in this atmospheric novel, feeling like they are flying side-by-side with Airrelle through sunset skies.
—BookPage