Review: The Healing Spell by Kimberly Griffiths Little

Title: The Healing Spell

Author: Kimberly Griffiths Little
Genre: Middle Grade, Young Adult
Published: 2010
Source: For review, Teen Book Scene

Summary: "Eleven-year-old Livie is living with a secret and it's crushing her. She knows she is responsible for her mother's coma, but she can't tell anyone. It's up to her to find a way to wake her momma up.

Stuck in the middle of three sisters, hiding a forbidden pet alligator, and afraid to disappoint her daddy, whom she loves more than anyone else, Livie struggles to find her place within her own family as she learns about the powers of faith and redemption. Livie's powerful, emotional, and sometimes humorous story will stay with readers long after the last line is read.

Set in the lush bayou of Louisiana, Kimberley Griffiths Little brings Livie's story to life with power and grace."

(Summary from Goodreads)

My Thoughts: This book was full of heart and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Best of all was the authenticity of Livie's voice. I really felt like I was in the bayou of Louisiana. The voice really was pitch-perfect and Livie was extremely likable and an unforgettable character. I felt a lot of sympathy for her as she struggles to fit in with her family at times and is a complete tomboy. Anyone can relate to her, as we all have troubles fitting in sometimes.

Livie also carries the guilt of her mother's coma on her shoulders, believing it to be her fault. All of the characters were unique and genuine, and her relationships with her sisters were very believable. I also thought her dad was quite interesting. He brought the mother home from the hospital against medical advice, and seems quite unintelligent, but works hard. This is a really great story of family and forgiveness with a wildly unique and vivid setting, perfect for the middle-grade reader... and adults too!

My Rating: 4/5