What if there really were a magic lamp with a genie? And what if that genie really wanted to be a normal twelve-year-old girl? Add these two questions together and you’ll end up with M. Tara Crowl’s Eden’s Wish, a delightful story for middle-grade readers that’s got just enough bite to entice, just enough logic to satisfy, and just enough imagination to be entirely new and different.

The plot thickens quickly when rebellious young Eden begins to learn the secrets of the lamp. Meanwhile young readers are introduced to secrets of education, history, geography and more, and it’s all part of the fun. The mysteries of history fit together beautifully. The magic is enjoyably low-key and enticing. And the logic of it all has a pleasingly well-thought-out feel. Like Harry Potter escaping to the real world, Eden lands in a real California, beautifully and realistically described. She goes to a regular school, endures bullies, finds friends, and has to learn who to trust, how to trust, and the true magic of loyalty.

By the end of this book I was eagerly hoping for more and couldn’t wait to start reading Eden’s Escape. Eden is a great character, a child with lots to learn and lots to offer, and a genie as well! My only complaint might be that the first chapter, while great fun, had a slightly down-beat older feel than the rest of the story. But that’s probably just me.

Disclosure: I was the lucky recipient of a signed copy, no strings attached. ( )