Wildseed Witch (Book 1) - by Marti Dumas (Paperback)

About the Book

Social media loving tween Hasani's recent discovery of her magical abilities earns her a scholarship to an exclusive charm school for witches, but she soon realizes her non-magical background presents several disadvantages she must learn to overcome.

Book Synopsis

Wildseed Witch is the first book in Marti Dumas's fun middle-grade contemporary fantasy series with an all-BIPOC cast, about a social-media-loving tween who gets sent to an ultra-private witch camp.

Hasani's post-seventh-grade summer to-do list is pretty simple: get a bigger following for her makeup YouTube channel and figure out how to get her parents back together. What she does NOT expect is that an emotional outburst will spark a latent magical ability in her. Or that the magic will be strong enough to attract the attention of witches. Or that before she can say #BlackGirlMagic, she'll be shipped off on a scholarship to a fancy finishing school for talented young ladies.

Les Belles Demoiselles is a literal charm school. Here, generations of young ladies from old-money witch families have learned to harness their magic, and alumnae grow to become some of the most powerful women across industries, including politicians, philanthropists, CEOs, entrepreneurs--and yes, even social media influencers. Needless to say, admission to the school is highly coveted, very exclusive . . . and Hasani sticks out like a weed in a rose bouquet.

While the other girls have always known they were destined to be witches, Hasani is a Wildseed--a stray witch from a family of non-witches, with no background knowledge, no way to control her magic, and a lot to catch up on. "Wildseed" may be an insult that the other girls throw at her, but Wildseeds are more powerful than they know. And Hasani will learn that there are ways to use magic and thrive that can never be taught in a classroom.

Review Quotes

"Dumas has crafted a delightful light fantasy novel filled with a diverse cast, fun, drama, and some lessons. . .Even with their magical abilities, Hasani and her classmates are a relatable and nuanced portrayal of girls their age." --School Library Journal

"Dumas invites readers into a wonderful world of witchcraft that highlights the contributions of the diaspora; the infusion of Creole heritage and the acknowledgement of enslavement grounds this world without dimming its light. Readers will relate to the struggles of standing out, feeling inadequate, and accepting change." --Kirkus Reviews

"Readers will love the world [Dumas] creates, which brims with Black Girl Magic. Most, if not all, of the characters are Black, and Dumas weaves Louisiana's history of slavery into the girls' lessons and legacy of magic. She also intertwines magic with technology, giving this series starter a decidedly modern feel."--Booklist

"Set in a modern-day Louisiana where technology and magic intertwine, Wildseed Witch is charming and intriguing, just like the Les Belles Desmoiselles witches. Readers will cheer Hasani, vibrant as a morning glory, as she embarks on a quest to own her magic and to find friendship, family, and forgiveness."--Rajani LaRocca, Newbery honor-winning author of Red, White, and Whole

"This book is pure magic and I was hooked from the very first page! My main question now is: how can I get Hasani to be my best friend?"--Lisa Greenwald, author of the My Life in Pink & Green trilogy

About the Author

Marti Dumas taught elementary school literacy for 10 years, conducts teacher literacy trainings, and is the author of Jaden Toussaint, the Greatest. She lives in New Orleans with her family.