All the Colors of Magic by author Valija Zinck is a refreshing, magical adventure that leads to self-discovery and realization that love of family and friends is a gift to be treasured. Penelope is not your average 10-year-old, but she can’t quite put her finger on the what makes her different. When things like her hair turning red and roads starting to talk to her start happening, that’s when her adventure starts and she not only realizes she has the gift of magic, but she’ll get answers to questions regarding her family that she has longed for.

All the Colors of Magic is a pretty simple, yet adventurous, novel plot-wise and therefore will appeal to younger precocious readers as well. Penelope is a brave, daring character who is just beginning to understand her magical gift, which makes her relatable to those trying new things and not always succeeding. She doesn’t give up, and she just keeps trying. This novel is perfect for those ready for a new and exciting magical adventure.

Review of an Advance Reading Copy provided by the Publisher

Content Analysis:

Profanity/Language:  3 uses of mild obscenities. 

Violence/Gore:  Character is hurt in a hit and run accident; Man attempts to hit a character with a tractor; Man grabs a child and roughly shakes him; Man says he was kidnapped and kept in a cellar for years; Man describes how he was hit over the head, knocked unconscious and kidnapped. 

Sex/Nudity:  Character sees a couple kissing.

Mature Subject Matter:

Parental abandonment; kidnapping.

Alcohol / Drug Use:

None