Like A Charm

Ramya has neurodivergent traits that allow her to see ghosts and sense death magic. While living in Edinburgh with her father, she encounters supernatural forces and a string of mysterious disappearances that seem connected to an antique shop. Working at the antique shop exposes Ramya to dark forces and puts her in contact with others who share her abilities. She must learn to harness her powers while navigating complex relationships with her father, new friends, and the ghostly entities that only she can perceive. The magic system in this novel draws from Scottish folklore and interweaves with Edinburgh's historic landmarks and cobblestone streets. Traditional supernatural elements merge with modern-day challenges faced by a young protagonist. This middle-grade fantasy explores themes of neurodiversity, family bonds, and finding one's place in a world that often misunderstands those who are different. The story presents magic as both a gift and a burden, reflecting broader truths about personal identity and acceptance.

Readers highlight the book's authentic portrayal of an autistic protagonist, with many neurodivergent readers feeling accurately represented. The Scottish setting and incorporation of Celtic folklore earned positive mentions. Liked: - Natural inclusion of LGBTQ+ characters without making it a focus - Fast-paced mystery elements - Complex family dynamics - Educational aspects about Scottish history woven into story Disliked: - Some found the pacing too quick in later chapters - A few readers wanted more development of secondary characters - Magic system rules could be clearer Ratings: Goodreads: 4.3/5 (2,000+ ratings) Amazon UK: 4.6/5 (280+ ratings) Waterstones: 4.7/5 (90+ ratings) "The representation is spot on - finally an autistic character written with depth" - Goodreads reviewer "Magical but grounded in real emotions" - Amazon reviewer "The Scottish folklore elements add richness without overwhelming the story" - Waterstones reviewer

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🌟 Author Elle McNicoll is neurodivergent and actively champions neurodiversity representation in children's literature, which influenced the authentic portrayal of the main character, Ramya. 🔮 The book weaves together Scottish folklore with contemporary Edinburgh, featuring real locations like the Royal Mile and Victoria Street, which inspired Harry Potter's Diagon Alley. ⚡ The concept of "second sight" featured in the book is based on actual Scottish folklore, where certain individuals were believed to have the ability to see supernatural beings and predict future events. 📚 Like A Charm won the 2023 Young Quills Award for Historical Fiction, celebrating books that bring history alive for young readers. 🎨 The book's cover illustration by Helen Crawford-White features hidden magical symbols that readers can discover, adding an interactive element to the physical book.