I was underwhelmed by this story of two girls pretending to be witches. There were several smile-inducing situations but for me most of it fell rather flat. This is the second book I've read by this author that just didn't impress me at all, especially considering it was a Newbery Honor winner. Meh. ( )

Wonderful to have finally read this entire book after reading an excerpt from it grade school. Good depiction of the ups and downs of friendship. ( )

I didn't hate it, but I didn't really like it either. Strange story with lots of holes, then very abrupt ending. We're never provided with any motivation for Jennifer's behavior, or for the way the book ended. I didn't find either Jennifer or Elizabeth particularly likable and didn't really care what did or didn't happen to them. I was glad to reach the end of the book. ( )

Elizabeth is new in town. She is on the small side for her age. She also hasn’t made any friends. She walks to school through the small woods, and that is where she meets Jennifer.

Jennifer is tall to Elizabeth’s short. Jennifer is also thin and can be a bit rude and bossy. But then Jennifer is a real witch! And she takes Elizabeth under her wing as an apprentice witch.

The girls spend Saturday’s together learning spells and rituals and other parts of becoming a witch. They also work on creating a flying potion and collecting the items that need to go in the potion. But just before they create the potion, something causes a rift between them.

The story is about developing friendships and the balance of two personalities to keep the friendship intact. The give and take of each in some form or another.

Adults and kids can take something away from this book. The actions and motives can be found at any age level. ( )

I am so glad this showed up in my recommendations! I've been thinking - what was that book I read in third grade where that girl becomes friends with that witch and they try to come up with a potion that lets them fly? I'm pretty sure this is it. I loved this book. It was fun. Even when me and my friends decided to come up (unsuccessfully) with a potion that let us fly. From what I remember, there was some lesson to be learned at the end, but that escapes me. The odd girl and the flying ointment - that's what I remember! ( )