Beswitched - by Kate Saunders (Paperback)

About the Book

On her way, reluctantly, to a boarding school in present-day England, Flora suddenly finds herself in 1935, the new girl at St. Winifred's, having been summoned via a magic spell by her new dormitory mates.

Book Synopsis

Twelve-year-old Flora Fox would do anything not to go to Penrice Hall, the boarding school her parents are shipping her off to because of a family emergency. Penrice has horses and an Olympic-size swimming pool, but flashy facilities won't change how Flora feels about being sent away and having to make new friends.

On the train ride to Penrice, Flora awakens from a nap to find herself transported into the past--1935, to be exact. As Flora rises to the challenges of her strange new life, she finds that the joys and complications of growing up are the same no matter what the year. And that friends and family will always be there to lend a helping hand.

Praise for Beswitched

A Junior Library Guild Selection

★ "This absorbing novel...features a dimensional, delightful protagonist, whose personality and growth ring true....Along with the entertaining magical elements, the universal themes of self-discovery, and looking beyond appearances combine into a wholly engaging and enjoyable read."--Booklist, Starred Review

"Saunders offers a coming-of-age tale against the rich backdrop of full period detail . . . [It] will charm readers."--Publishers Weekly

"A ripping English boarding-school story with a perceptive heroine and time-travel twist guaranteed to appeal to modern schoolgirls."--Kirkus Reviews

Review Quotes

Praise for Kate Saunders

Praise for Beswitched

A Junior Library Guild Selection

★ "This absorbing novel...features a dimensional, delightful protagonist, whose personality and growth ring true....Along with the entertaining magical elements, the universal themes of self-discovery, and looking beyond appearances combine into a wholly engaging and enjoyable read."--Booklist, Starred Review

"Saunders offers a coming-of-age tale against the rich backdrop of full period detail . . . [It] will charm readers."--Publishers Weekly

"A ripping English boarding-school story with a perceptive heroine and time-travel twist guaranteed to appeal to modern schoolgirls."--Kirkus Reviews

Five Children on the Western Front

Winner of the Costas Award for Children's Fiction

★ "An irresistible read."--Publishers Weekly, Starred Review

"Saunders strikes a surprisingly successful balance between the mischievous magic of the sand fairy and the harsh realities of wartime England." --The Bulletin

"A dramatic, heartrending look at World War I's far-reaching consequences for families and individuals."--SLJ

The Curse of the Chocolate Phoenix

"Saunders weaves the supernatural with the ordinary with ease. Readers who enjoyed The Whizz Pop Chocolate Shop will not be disappointed."--Booklist

"Clearly, Saunders has honed her deft and breezy comic style while affectionately channeling mild echoes of Harry Potter and The Hobbit."--Kirkus Reviews

"Saunders's imagination is out in full force. Hand this to readers who love adventure, fantasy, and Mission Impossible-type adventure."--SLJ

The Whizz Pop Chocolate Shop

"This story has adventure, excitement, humor and magic, and will appeal to boys and girls alike."--SLJ

"Reminiscent of Roald Dahl's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory."--Booklist

"A quick pace and intricate plot twists keep excitement high . . . [in] this enjoyable and moving romp through a magical London underworld."--Publishers Weekly

Magicalamity

★ "[Children] will love this action-packed adventure, brimming with sly humor and clever asides....This book should fly off the shelves, with or without a magic carpet."--SLJ, Starred Review

"A quick, magical romp."--The Bulletin

"Saunders weaves a tight tale with a satisfying conclusion." --Booklist

About the Author

KATE SAUNDERS has written lots of books for adults and children. She lives in London with her son and her three cats.