The Gilded Girl

Written by Alyssa Colman

Book #1 in the Gilded Magic series

Two girls defy society to save their magic before it vanishes forever.

4.3 Goodreads · 1,024 ratings

352 pages· 740L

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Bookroo's summary

In a world where only the elite can kindle magic, Emma Harris faces a harsh reality when her father's death leaves her penniless. At Miss Posterity’s Academy, she must work off her debts alongside Izzy, a spirited servant girl. Despite societal rules, they form an unlikely alliance: Emma will teach Izzy magic secrets if Izzy helps her survive as a servant. As they navigate magical mishaps and dangerous rituals, a failed kindling threatens their future. Can Emma and Izzy overcome their differences to protect their magic before it’s too late?

From the publisher

Heartfelt, fast-paced, and utterly absorbing, The Gilded Girl is Alyssa Colman’s sparkling debut novel about determination, spirit, and the magic of friendship. Any child can spark magic, but only the elite are allowed to kindle it. Those denied access to the secrets of the kindling ritual will see their magic snuffed out before their thirteenth birthday. Miss Posterity’s Academy for Practical Magic is the best kindling school in New York City–and wealthy twelve-year-old Emma Harris is accustomed to the best. But when her father dies, leaving her penniless, Emma is reduced to working off her debts to Miss Posterity alongside Izzy, a daring servant girl who refuses to let her magic be snuffed out, even if society dictates she must. Emma and Izzy reluctantly form a pact: If Izzy teaches Emma how to survive as a servant, Emma will reveal to Izzy what she knows about magic. Along the way, they encounter quizzes that literally pop, shy libraries, and talking cats (that is, house dragons). But when another student’s kindling goes horribly wrong, revealing the fiery dangers of magic, Emma and Izzy must set aside their differences or risk their magic being snuffed out forever.

At a glance

Format
Pages: 352
Reading age: 8–12
Audience: Middle Grade
Lexile: 740L

Themes & topics

Books about magic Books about friendship Books about poverty

What readers & critics say

Reviews

“Holds a lot of appeal for magic-loving readers. . .Fast-paced and warmhearted with a satisfying conclusion.”

Kirkus Reviews

Critic

“A thoughtful and imaginative exploration of friendship, internal change, and perseverance told in alternating voices and anchored in an enticingly crafted alternate turn-of-the-century New York.”

Publisher's Weekly

Critic · Starred review

The series