After discovering that the creatures from Cajun folklore actually exist, Feliciana is torn between hiding her Southern heritage and starting fresh at her new school—all while caring for an unexpected magical friend. Rachel M. Marsh’s debut novel is for fans of Tracey Baptiste’s The Jumbies and Katherine Applegate’s Crenshaw.
Twelve-year-old Feliciana Fruge does not like Boston. If given the chance, she would gladly move herself and her mom from the freezing city right back to Grandma’s house in Louisiana. Feliciana dreams of escaping her stepfather’s corny jokes and bland food and the relentless bullying at school for “being poor” and having a Southern accent.
So, when she transfers to a new school and has the chance to start fresh, Feliciana plans to be as un-Cajun as possible in order to blend in. But then Grandma sends Feliciana a mischievous and magical monster from Cajun folklore—Roux the rougarou. While Grandma might have meant for rambunctious Roux to keep Feliciana company, now Feliciana must juggle making new friends, outsmarting a bully, creating her best art to qualify for an upcoming competition—and hiding her mysterious, magical canine companion from everyone.
Rougarou Magic is a magic-laced, tenderly drawn love letter to Cajun folklore, the bittersweetness of starting over when you least expect it, and the unlikely friends you make along the way. Rachel M. Marsh’s debut novel explores themes of friendship, family, self-identity, and change and will captivate animal lovers and fans of Ghost Squad.
Praise for Rougarou Magic
“A magically charming debut.” –Kirkus
“Marsh’s debut cleverly weaves folklore with the realism of middle-school drama, along with a sprinkle of humor and magic, to create a quick read that fills a void in most library collections. It will appeal to a wide range of readers, sharing the important message that your best self is your true self—and your roots will ground you wherever you’re planted. Readers will gravitate toward this quirky story of family and friendship. A solid purchase.” –Booklist
”This ultimately heartwarming novel contains lots of self-reflection on Feliciana’s heritage as she grows to embrace it, as well as comic relief from her offbeat new pet. Feliciana’s bully is realistically portrayed, but Feliciana learns to ignore her with the help of new friends. Cajun words, traditions, and foods are peppered throughout the text and lovingly explained. Pair with Cuevas’s Mari and the Curse of El Cocodrilo.” –The Horn Book Review
