Fourth-grader Summer (white) has been living with her new foster family for a short while when a large sinkhole appears in their living room. Summer, who figures she won’t be living with them for very long, is drawn to explore its depths. She discovers a dragon guarding a treasure deep below the British home. Not fancying herself a hero, Summer is surprised when she’s able to claim the dragon’s prize, a glass bottle, and escape. Opening the bottle, Summer releases an ancient witch who promises her three wishes. Vaguely recalling her biological mom’s warning about bottle witches, and having been disappointed by many in her life, Summer is wary, suspicious of the magic. At the same time, she finds herself navigating tensions between a potential new friend and the cool girls at school. Ultimately, Summer’s intuition, careful assessment of others, and acceptance of her own vulnerabilities play a role in her clever tactics to outsmart the witch before her new home and budding friendship is destroyed. The design of this handsome novel is richly accentuated by Emily Gravett’s spot and full-page illustrations. Equal parts realistic and magical, this middle-grade novel is smart and satisfying.

From the creators of Lily and the Night Creatures comes another “emotionally resonant and empathetic” (Kirkus Reviews) illustrated middle grade novel filled with magic and granted wishes—perfect for fans of The Beast and the Bethany and Kelly Barnhill.

Summer has moved around a lot and knows better than to trust her current foster family. She knows she can only count on herself, which makes adjusting to a new school in a new town very lonely. One day, while Summer and her foster family are having lunch, a hole appears in the middle of the living room.

The hole leads down to a dragon, who promises Summer three wishes, to be granted by a witch. Finally, things are looking up as Summer can have the security and company she’s always wanted—guaranteed by magic with no complicated feelings involved.

But every granted wish makes the hole in the floor grow bigger and the witch more sinister. With the magic taking a dark turn, can Summer risk asking for her dearest wish?