Moth Hush, the Okay Witch, is back for another adventure, grappling with middle school bullies and magical mayhem in this second series installment. Moth Hush is still coming to terms with the revelation of her witchy heritage and magical abilities, but winter break is over, and it is time to head back to school and peers who were cruel even before magic entered her life. When Moth discovers an ancient charm that promises to grant her the confidence and social charisma that she lacks, it seems too good to be true. With the help of the charm, Moth soon finds her star rising, even receiving a nomination for the honor of Founderella, to be crowned at the Valentine's Ball. Use of the charm has one major downside, however, as it invites the interference of a shadowy demonic presence. In a climax that is part Sabrina the Teenage Witch and part Carrie, Moth must face down not only the demon from the charm, but her own personal demons as well. Moth, who presents as Black and whose family traces its roots to a small fictional island off the Iberian coast, is a relatable hero readers can't help but root for. While she grapples with the usual middle school angst surrounding identity, self-esteem, and where she fits in, she also forces the town and readers to confront issues of racism and privilege that are as pervasive in the town of Founder's Bluff as they are in real life. Magical and charming. (Graphic fantasy. 10-14) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Gr 4--8--After the climatic events of The Okay Witch, Moth Hush, a 13-year-old frizzy-haired witch, is adrift in a sea of changes. Her mother and her grandmother have put aside their differences to help Moth come into her magic; the bullies at school make Moth feel more ostracized than ever; and, horrors, Moth's mom is dating the school's goofiest teacher. Moth just wants to fit in, but she promised her mother she'd never use her magic at school. When Moth finds a magical amulet that seemingly brings out a more confident, effervescent self, it seems like her problems are solved. But when the amulet's consciousness assumes a body, complete with its own menacing powers, Moth realizes she's awakened the demon known as the Hungry Shadow. Steinkellner explores grievance, forgiveness, and moving on, building to a final act that's just as engaging and explosive as its predecessor. The anime-esque tone has been amplified as well: The wealth of dynamic panels and cinematic sequences, combined with a lovable cast unafraid to monologue, combine for a love letter to magical girl stories. While still remaining approachable to younger readers, this is a wordier graphic novel compared to most middle grade titles. Meditations on bullying and racism, the experience of being torn between being oneself and what one wants to be, and soliloquies on the positive interactions that can be taken from otherwise problematic traditions might fly over the heads of Moth's youngest fans. Moth and her family are Black. VERDICT A satisfying, brilliant sequel, solidifying Steinkellner's reputation as a graphic novelist to watch.--Matisse Mozer, Los Angeles P.L.