School Trip (Diary of an Accidental Witch, #5)

SCHOOL TRIP is a charming installment in the DIARY OF AN ACCIDENTAL WITCH series. This latest chapter book prepares the way for the exciting (and nerve-wracking) sixth grade class trip. The students, and particularly Bea, are eager to know where they will be going, although all the teachers are particularly tight-lipped. As the date of the trip gets ever closer, Bea worries more about what it will be like there - but also about her father who she will be leaving behind for a little while.

What I loved: This was such a fun read that sets up the school year and current atmosphere well. Bea is starting to get her footing in the witchy world and not feel like such a newbie, but she still feels like there is just so much to learn. She is also keeping the secret from her non-magical father, which is challenging, especially when she wants to tell him so much more about her day and why she cares about staying so much at this school. With hints that her father may want to move and worries over how he will be without her (particularly if he might finish the work that brought them to town in the first place), her anxieties are building - especially with the overnight trip.

The sixth graders are struggling to all get along with strong personalities all around. The teachers seem to hint that this may be a major theme of their class trip, even though the students aren't sure getting along could ever be possible. These themes will really speak to the intended age range, as they are also struggling with friendships and class dynamics in their daily lives (though maybe with less magical mishaps).

The writing is very conversational, put in the form of a diary but with expanded text that gives dialogue, conversations, and whole scenes from Bea's perspective. Her asides are clever and often funny, keeping the writing pithy and moving quickly. Adding to that plenty of fun drawings and doodles throughout, it really captures the attention well and moves fast, which is great for this middle elementary school aged audience.

Although part of a series, this one can be read on its own, as it gives all the background needed to dive right in. However, readers will be left eagerly waiting for the next, as story ends with the kids arriving at the school trip location and just beginning to settle down - a bit of a cliffhanger!

Final verdict: SCHOOL TRIP is a charming and clever chapter book read that is sure to keep independent readers turning pages and eager for more. Recommend for readers who love fun illustrations, social development themes, and unforgettable characters.