The Gilded Girl

Description

Any child can spark magic, but only the elite are allowed to kindle. Those denied access to kindling will lose their magic before they turn thirteen. In 1906 New York, Miss Posterity's Academy is the best kindling school-and Emma Harris is used to the best. But when her father dies, leaving her penniless, Emma must work off her debts to Miss Posterity alongside Izzy, a servant girl who refuses to let her magic be snuffed out. When a student's kindling goes wrong, Emma and Izzy form a pact to help one another, and together embark on a journey to keep magic in the right hands. . .or risk losing it forever. Heartfelt and absorbing, The Gilded Girl is Alyssa Colman's sparkling debut novel about determination, spirit, and the magic of friendship.

Alyssa Colman won the 2013 Primary Stages ESPA new play competition and was a semifinalist at the Eugene O'Neill Theater Center National Playwrights Conference. She has participated as both a mentee and mentor in the Author Mentor Match program and is a member of SCBWI. Alyssa now lives in Los Angeles, where she enjoys making messes in her kitchen and hiking with her family. alyssacolman.com

"Holds a lot of appeal for magic-loving readers. . .Fast-paced and warmhearted with a satisfying conclusion." --Kirkus Reviews "Sweet and magical. Will kindle the imagination!" --Melissa de la Cruz, author of The Descendants series "When I turned the last page, the first word that came to mind was wow, followed quickly by fabulous, fresh, fast-paced and fun. This book is pure magic."--Barbara O'Connor, New York Times-bestselling author of Wish "An irresistible story that celebrates the magic of friendship, kids' power to change the world, and the benefits of having an excellent cat on your side. Timely, engrossing, and delightful." --Anne Ursu, author of The Lost Girl "The Gilded Girl is a spellbinding adventure through turn-of-the-century New York City complete with house dragons, disappearing rooms, and magic that longs to burn free. This charming, magical story about trust, hope, equality, and the active pursuit of systemic change feels perfectly relevant right now." --Josephine Cameron, author of Maybe a Mermaid and A Dog-Friendly Town