Dear Ms. Sage,

I have used your book Magyk in three of my book groups here at the library (so far!), and all of the book group members have LOVED the book!!

The first thing each book group member comments on is your style of writing – they all love the way you use words and the multiple (and unpredictable) layers of the plot.  Inevitably, there have been comparisons with the Harry Potter books, but you’ll be pleased to know that your books always come out the winners in those comparisons.

As an adult reading your books, I am so pleased by your creative use of language.  So many children’s books today go against the old writing adage of “Show, don’t tell,” but your books are a wonderful exception to that.  In the most recent book group discussion here of Magyk, one fifth grader commented at length on the scene in which Boy 412 finds the ring.  This student especially loved that you don’t simply say, “Boy 412 found a ring,” but that you draw the scene out, and thus the suspense, and that you show what’s happening without overstating it. 

I could go on and on about how much I love your books, and about how much I’ve enjoyed the multiple book group discussions that we’ve had about Magyk.  Rather than do that, I’ll just end with a heartfelt “thank you” for bringing such great books into the world.

Sincerely,

Abby Kingsbury, Children’s Librarian