Raven, Rising: Christine Hartman Derr

Raven, Rising Christine Hartman Derr Hardcover JUVENILE FICTION/Diversity & Multicultural Perfect for fans of Christine Day and Cynthia Leitich Smith, this debut novel follows a Cherokee girl who, after the tragic loss of her parents, tries to acclimate to difficult social dynamics in her new school and a curious magic that her mother may have passed down to her. Thirteen-year-old Raven Miller just moved to Bear Creek Falls with her aunt after losing both her parents in a fatal kitchen accident. Not only does Raven feel like she’s to blame, but she hasn’t been able to do the one thing that would bring her much-needed comfort: baking. Raven has always had a way with food. After watching her mom whip up special dishes that seemed to have magical effects on those who consumed them, Raven was able to step into the curious power herself. Now, the delicious scents and ingredients that once brought her joy taunt her. Which only makes starting over—new house, new school, new town—even harder.But after she befriends Laurel and Hazel, Raven starts to believe Bear Creek Falls might not be so bad after all. Until it becomes clear that a girl named Stella has it out for the trio. To make matters worse, Raven notices that the vice principal is targeting certain students for dress code violations while showing favoritism to others. When attempts to stand up to him and Stella fall flat, Raven wonders if the magical treats she used to make could whip up a justice so sweet it would set everything right. But in order to find out, she’ll have to face the things she’s been avoiding. Can Raven rise above the pain of her past in order to secure a better future?