The Three Rules of Everyday Magic by Amanda Rawson Hill (review)

Kate has grown up surrounded by music, but since her father left, she can't bring herself to sing or play her guitar. Every night, she writes him a note, but since her mother says she doesn't know where he is, all she can do is stuff her heartfelt missives in a box under her bed. Her father's leaving isn't the only big change for this fifth-grader, though. Her grandmother's dementia means Grammy has to move in with Kate and her mother, and Kate's had a falling out with her best friend. Using the three rules of everyday magic—believe, give, and trust—that Grammy has shown her in her lucid moments, Kate tries to fix the broken people and relationships in her life. Credibly flawed and feisty, Kate cycles through embarrassment, hope, determination, anger, and even some mild depression as she comes to terms with what is and isn't within her control; indeed, an especially poignant moment flares when she realizes that her coping mechanisms aren't all that different than those of her clinically depressed father. Unlike her father, however, Kate is able and willing to avail herself of the support of those around her, including a new friend, Jane, who proves doggedly faithful even when Kate treats her badly; an old friend, Parker; the sensei at her karate school; and her mother, who reminds her that music can not only express sadness but also relieve it. Without being overoptimistic, this shows the magic of belief and trust when combined with action. KC