• Age: 8 to 12
• Grade: 3 to 7

Trouble is brewing at Margaret's Academy of Tea and Brewing, and unlucky Misha has one chance to fix it with the recipe for the perfect enchanted cup of chai, in this magical, heartfelt, and funny adventure about the power of believing in yourself, perfect for fans of A Taste of Magic and The Marvellers.

All it took was one majestic frog and a love brew gone wrong—and faster than you can say ribbit, Misha got expelled...again. Things aren’t much better back home. A rival tea shop opens across the street, and rumors spread that the Dayaans' tea is cursed. Determined to fix her family’s reputation, Misha’s only got one option left: attend the infamous Margaret’s Academy of Tea and Brewing and brew her way to the top of her class—even if it means a little bit of spice sabotage.

But when Misha finds herself up against the girl from the tea shop across the street and things start going wrong—ghostly tea leaves, living scarecrows, and rumors of missing tea witches—Misha starts to realize the truth: she’s jinxed. And if she can’t turn her luck around, her family tea shop, her classmates—and even all of Margaret’s Academy—will have a fate worse than cold tea.

Emi Pinto's heartfelt, hilarious, and hijinks-filled Chai Jinxed is a stand-alone adventure for everyone who has ever felt the pressure to succeed, with an affirming story about friendship, family, and self-love.

Dr. Emi Pinto is a Canadian author who loves to write about cute ghosts, awkward witches, and food from her mixed South Asian and Franco-Ontarian heritage (masala poutine, anyone?). When she’s not getting lost on forest trails with her family, you can find Emi traveling the world, researching, and advising on international assistance programs. She lives in Ottawa, Ontario.

Emi Pinto's profile page

"Quickly paced with a variety of explosively enchanting adventures, middle-grade readers who enjoy academic outcasts will be spellbound by the mystical properties of tea brewing. In the end, all mysteries are revealed, friends are found, and Misha realizes her own value. A sweetly satisfying romp, even for those readers who don’t drink tea." — Booklist

"Chai Jinxed is a delicious, shenanigan-filled adventure mixed with a sprinkle of scary, a dash of 'I can fix this!,' and topped with a funny frog that'll have you croaking out loud. Perfect for anyone who's struggled to get it right and who needs to know it'll all work out just the way it should. From now on I feel I should always carry snacks in my bag for froggish friends!" — Malia Maunakea, author of the Lei and the Legends series

"Brimming with magic, mischief, and mysterious doings, Chai Jinxed is a marvelous adventure that’s sure to steal your heart." — Alysa Wishingrad, author of Between Monsters and Marvels

“A hilarious story full of magical hijinks, perseverance, and heart.” — Joanna Cacao, author of The Secret of the Ravens

"Emi Pinto has brewed a delightful coming-of-age story full of tea magic, whimsy, and heart. Chai Jinxed features a strong cast of characters, and Misha is a charming heroine you'll want to root for. Perfectly paired with a cup of enchanted chai!" — Sarena and Sasha Nanua, coauthors of Sisters of the Snake and Spirit Service

"Pinto works delightful wordplay and original fantasy elements into her work that’s set in a South Asian–inspired world. Readers will enjoy Misha’s messes and appreciate her imperfections . . . Capers and calamities reign supreme in this fantasy. . . ." — Kirkus Reviews

Praise for BEE BAKSHI AND THE GINGERBREAD SISTERS: "Full of twists, genuine scares, and satisfying reveals, this debut is sure to please readers in search of a thrill. Gingerbread is plentiful in this spooky “Hansel and Gretel” retelling, but the lessons about friendship are sweeter still." — Kirkus Reviews

"Part fairy-tale retelling, part ghost story, part haunted house Bee Bakshi and the Gingerbread Sisters adds up to one magical thing: A story that is all heart. A fun adventure with a loveable cast of characters that reminds you the only way to fit in is to just be yourself. That is the true gingerbread magic." — Ally Malinenko, author of Ghost Girl and This Appearing House

"Early on in Misha’s adventure, there’s a warning about comparing yourself to others, and yet it isn’t possible to compare Chai Jinxed with other books for it is utterly unique. Pinto’s story is the 'anteadote' for anyone looking for a book that breathes fresh life into the fantasy world. This witchy tale packs humor, heart, and a whole lot of magical tea that is sure to warm the heart of any reader." — George Jreije, author of Shad Hadid