The Forgotten Magic of Zoey Turner

By: Erin Stewart

Narrated by: Mirai

A girl whose anxiety disorder has been ruling her life since her father’s death unexpectedly has the story she’s written come alive in this “bewitching” (Publishers Weekly) and tender middle grade coming-of-age novel perfect for fans of Barbara Dee and Jamie Sumner.

Zoey Turner used to see magic everywhere. With a dad like Zoey’s, it was hard not to. Not only did they read The Magic of Ever After series together every day, they also used to create original stories. Used to. Ever since her dad died unexpectedly last year, all Zoey sees is danger.

Fear has shrunk homeschooled Zoey’s life to the span of one block, where she keeps close to the people that she needs the most. Her mom is almost never out of sight, and Jada, the owner of Ever After Books, is always around to talk about their favorite fantasy trilogy. Zoey finally ventures outside her comfort zone for the chance to meet famed author Raven M. Wells, only for the outing to lead to a panic attack.

Instead of a signed book, Zoey ends up with a novelty pencil embossed with the phrase make your own magic that she uses to cope with her disappointment by writing a story like the ones she and her dad shared. The next day, Zoey is shocked to find her fantastical tale has come true. Emboldened by the pencil, Zoey takes risks she thought were long behind her in pursuit of her happy ending. But is she really in charge of how the story ends?

Delightful and Magical Tale of Hope

I just adored this audiobook. It addresses grief and anxiety in an age-appropriate way, and also inspires kids who can relate to know that they hold the power to be brave in the face of it. The narrator perfectly embodies the voice of a 12 year old girl who is experiencing the loss of her father, and all the fear of the unknown that goes with it. She also expresses the hope and courage and joy and love of family and friends beautifully. Highly recommended to anyone looking for a middle grade book that explores themes of empathy, growing, and a little bit of magic!

A fantastic read for any age!

What an amazing book! The Forgotten Magic of Zoey Turner isn’t just about magic—it’s a powerful reminder that even after hard times, there’s still hope and wonder in the world. It’s the kind of story that stays with you and leaves you feeling inspired.

The author does a great job blending real-life struggles, like loss and self-discovery, with an exciting magical adventure. It’s both relatable and uplifting.

This is a must-read for anyone—whether you’re a young reader looking for adventure or an adult who needs a little reminder of life’s magic. It’s heartfelt, exciting, and full of hope. Don’t miss it!

Realistic Fiction and Magic in One!

I love the magic! I love the characters! I love the theme of anxiety and how consumable the story still is with such a heavy topic.