Abandoned by her parents, unwanted by relatives, a spoiled nine-year-old girl is taken in by a mysterious, reclusive woman, Juniper. In the small Scottish village Juniper is known to the superstitious townspeople as a pagan and herbalist; to the child she nurtures she is known as a teacher, mother and friend. The child grows wise in her company. Much of the depth of the powerful, gripping story comes through the development of individual characters and the fine descriptions of their interactions with each other. (Age 11 and older)

Orphaned by the death of her grandmother and her father’s disappearance, 9-year-old Wise Child is taken in by Juniper, a healer and sorceress. Soon enough, the young girl finds herself flourishing under Juniper’s care—learning about herbal lore, and even introductory magic. But just as she begins to feel at home in the Scottish village, the girl’s mother—the black witch Maeve—returns. 

Forced to choose between Maeve and Juniper, Wise Child has a difficult decision to make. She could stay with Juniper or leave with Maeve and adopt a life of luxury. In making her choice, Wise Child comes to discover her own growing supernatural powers and true loyalties.

As the story unfolds, Maeve’s evil magic—a mysterious plague—and the fears of villagers put Wise Child and Juniper in very real danger.

Make sure you discover more about this fascinating world in Monica Furlong’s classic prequel, Juniper.