Any Witch Way by Annastaysia Savage-ADVISABLE

Savage, Annastaysia Any Witch Way, 188 p.   JournalStone, 2011.  Content: G.  For Sadie, life has been anything but easy since her mom died. Shuffled from foster home to foster home, she has yet to find a place where she feels welcome. Believing her mother to still be alive, she is constantly ridiculed at school. Her only solace is the school library and a neighborhood bookstore where Mrs. Felis treats her like a friend. On her 13th birthday, however, things take a dramatic change. Discovering she's a witch and Mrs. Felis was her mother's shapeshifing cat is just the start. The Syndicate ( a group of mysterious and nasty bad guys) want her dead. Her only hope is to get control of her powers before they find her. Will she be able to succeed? Is her mom really still alive? Why do the Syndicate want her dead?

An excellent book. Vivid description, well-developed characters, and a well-crafted plot. Readers who like fantasy, realistic fiction, and coming-of-age stories will enjoy reading this book. EL(4-6). ADVISABLE. Reviewer: Kira M, Youth Services Librarian, WHI Public Library.