• Age: 8 to 11
• Grade: 3 to 6

“An enchanting adventure that will leave readers hungry for more.” – Kwame Mbalia, #1 New York Times bestselling author
NYT bestselling author J. Elle enchants with this story of a young Black witch who must save her magic school–now in paperback!
Kyana Turner has found out she's a witch! This means lessons every Saturday at the magic school hidden in the back of her local beauty shop, learning spells, and a wand made to match her hair's curl pattern. The hardest part will be keeping her magic a secret from non-Magick friends.
But when the school loses funding, the students must either pay a hefty tuition at the academy across town or have their magic stripped. Determined not to let that happen, Kyana decides to enter a baking competition for the huge cash prize. After all, Memaw taught her to make the best desserts. But as Kyana struggles with magic and regular school, the competition, and her secret, she wonders if she can save her friendships, too.
J. Elle's debut middle grade fantasy is full of humor, heart, and mouthwatering desserts.

J. Elle's profile page

J. Elle is the New York Times bestselling author of the YA novels Wings of Ebony and Ashes of Gold and is an advocate for marginalized voices in both publishing and her community. J. is a first-generation college student with a Bachelor of Journalism and Master of Arts in Educational Administration and Human Development. In her spare time you'll find her volunteering at an alternative school, providing feedback for aspiring writers, loving on her three littles, or cooking up a dish true to her Texas and Louisiana roots.
authorjelle.com @AuthorJ_Elle

“Delightful and charming, A Taste of Magic bursts with adventure, mischief, and so much heart. Readers will turn ravenous for all things magic and their opportunity to enroll in Park Row Magick Academy.” —Dhonielle Clayton, New York Times bestselling author
“A Taste of Magic is an enchanting adventure that will leave readers hungry for more.” —Kwame Mbalia, #1 NYT bestselling author
“Successfully illustrating themes of class separation and economic opportunity across a mostly Black cast, Elle (Wings of Ebony) builds a story of familial love and friendship and tops it with pure culinary enthusiasm.” —Publishers Weekly
“Elle tackles weighty topics--including educational equity and dementia--with tenderness and thought. . . . Positive female relationships and fantastical humor (particularly around animals) round out this warm food- and family-centered story.” —Booklist
“This fast-paced, heartfelt story deliciously blends realism with the whimsy of the mystical. . . . A charming story of magic, love, and community.” —Kirkus Reviews