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Walking to school one morning, a few days after we’d finished reading the first two books of Sally Rippin’s Polly and Buster series, Miss 6,out of the blue, said, “I think that Polly & Buster is saying that we should always be a good friend.”
It was a bursting-with-mum-pride this-is-why-we-read moment. Miss 6 had fallen deeply in love with this series within the first few pages of our reading of the first book, so it makes sense that she was thinking some big thoughts about these stories that so charmed her. (She’d also bemoaned the injustice that she, herself, wasn’t a witch like the heroine, Polly.)
We have now finished all three books in the trilogy, over many nights of bedtime reading, and I expect this is a series will continue to linger for both of us for a long time to come.
Polly is a 9-year old witch who struggles with schoolwork and feels out of place, often even with her mother and sister. Her loving father died in a mine collapse several years earlier. Her safe place is with her best friend, Buster, the sweetest monster you could ever hope to know. They meet in secret in a tree between their houses because, in their town Blackmoon Coven, friendships between witches and monsters are frowned upon. An encounter on school trip to causes Polly to unleash a magic spell that she had no idea she was capable of in order to protect Buster.
The spell causes quite a stir in the community, further pitting witches against monsters, and leads the way for Polly to discover that she is a rare and powerful Silver Witch. This sets Polly on a Campbellian Hero’s Journey to save the town from its increasingly violent prejudices, as well as an evil spirit that feeds on fear and anger. Polly doesn’t want such a great responsibility, especially as she’s so young and inexperienced, but she is the only one who can save her town. And, it is prophesied that she can only do it with the help of her friend, Buster.
The story spans three books – The Wayward Witch and the Feelings Monster, The Mystery of the Magic Stones, and The Search for the Silver Witch. The action moves along at a nice pace, with enough space for thinking about some of the questions raised, but never feeling like a lull. Rippin establishes the world of witches and monsters effortlessly, and her Blackmoon Coven is populated with big-personality supporting characters. Rippin’s illustrations on every few pages add to the imagery. I dare you not to fall in love with her Buster.
The story by itself is enough to captivate middle grades readers, but I believe that the messages will be what really stick. Big themes include the importance of friendship, the strength it takes to stand up for a friend when doing so will cause you ridicule, the senselessness of dividing a society into us vs. them, and the power that choosing kindness can have on an individual and a community. I’ve implemented “What Would Polly Do” as a measure of good friendship choices.
In addition to these themes, there is also Polly’s perseverance. She does overcome some pretty significant supernatural obstacles, but many kids will relate to her school struggles, as well. While it’s never named in the book, it is implied that Polly is undiagnosed dyslexic, which is the root of her schoolwork and social problems. At the start of the series, she feels that she’s not bright or promising, but it’s her unique gifts and willingness to continue trying to do what is hard that makes her a hero.
The age recommendation for Polly and Buster is 7 – 11, though my Miss 6 was very happy to have it read aloud to her. There are some mildly scary scenes, if your younger child is particularly sensitive, but no “adult” situations or language. This series would be a great choice if your child is too young for the more mature Harry Potter books, but would enjoy the world of witchcraft, along with a big heart.
Charming characters, an exciting story, and beautiful themes have made the Polly and Buster series one I believe my daughter will return to many times over the next few years.
1 – The Wayward Witch and the Feelings Monster (Australia) or U.S. Amazon
2 – The Mystery of the Magic Stones (Australia) or U.S. Amazon
3 – The Search for the Silver Witch (Australia) or U.S. Amazon
Looking for more books like these? Try our list of Must-Read Adventure Books for Tween Girls.
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