The Forgotten Magic of Zoey Turner

Gr 5-7–Seventh grader Zoey has anxiety—debilitating anxiety that keeps her in the house, makes her wash down everything she touches, and prevents her from going to school. Her disorder started nine months ago when her dad was killed in a bus accident. The two things Zoey does have are the fantasy series “The Magic Ever After” by Raven M. Wells and her best friend Lena, who is Lebanese and a champion swimmer. When an author signing induces a panic attack, a disappointed Zoey goes home with only a blue pencil. But when the stories she writes with it seem to come true, Zoey wonders if her dad was right and magic really exists. Her attempts to “fix” her life don’t quite work, and she is forced to do what makes her anxious in the hopes of setting things right. This realistic story is a great example of the power of fan fiction and one’s ability to change one’s own story. While the path Zoey takes to come out of her extreme anxiety has authentic ups and downs, the terminology and portrayal of mental health is problematic. For example, a therapist is referred to in dismissive terms like “a feelings doctor” and “head shrinker.” Everyone who cries is considered or called a baby; the overall effect is a negative message about feelings and vulnerability in the book. The conclusion about Raven stretches credibility, and several characters are inconsistent or just one-note. Zoey is white; other characters described are diverse races and identities.