Fern Forgettable, The Graveyard Gift (Fern’s School for Wayward Fae #1), Walker Books, October 2024, 256 pp., RRP $16.99 (hbk), ISBN 9781760659288
The Graveyard Gift is an entertaining middle-grade fantasy novel by book-toker Piper CJ, using the nom de plume Fern Forgettable. The story follows Rosemary Thorpe, a young girl plagued by visions of death and difficulties fitting in. En route to a mental institution, she is intercepted by a fairy and taken to a magical school. Rosemary becomes the newest student at Fern’s School for Wayward Fae and with everyone too busy or distracted to explain what’s going on, Rosemary is largely left to figure things out on her own. This is a clever way for the reader to discover the captivating fantasy world alongside her.
Rosemary must navigate the challenges of fitting into a community of magical beings while dealing with mysterious intrusions from the outside world. The friendships she forms with her classmates, including Trym, a deaf part-banshee whose screams are deadly, and Essie, a wish-granting djinn, add depth to the story. Piper CJ has an M.A. in folklore, and has woven her knowledge of cryptids, fae and lore into the world of Fern’s School.
This engaging novel is recommended for children aged 8+ and self-described as ‘Perfect for fans of Wednesday.’ The Graveyard Gift is the first in a four-part series.
Reviewed by Laura Holloway
