Alison Evans’ acclaimed young adult novels are notable for being somewhat otherworldly and for featuring strong queer characters. Ida plays with parallel universes, Highway Bodies – which was shortlisted for The Readings Young Adult Book Prize in 2019 – is about the zombie apocalypse, and Euphoria Kids features witches, dryads and other magical beings.

The story is told alternately from the point of view of teenagers Babs and Iris. Babs is a child of fire; Iris sprouted from the moss in their mothers’ backyard. Both teens are in touch with the magical creatures in the woods nearby. Babs has been cursed by a witch, which makes her often invisible, unnoticed by others. One day Iris finally sees her and their friendship takes off. Both characters are trans; Babs uses the pronouns she/her and Iris they/them. One day a new boy comes to the school, lost and uncertain, and they befriend him too. When the witch that cursed Babs returns to the forest nearby, the three friends want to confront her but are terrified. Meanwhile, all the magical beings are warning them that danger is afoot.

Euphoria Kids is a gorgeous character-driven book that shows positive trans and queer identities, diverse families, and loving, supportive parents. Readers who like stories of magic and magical realism will also enjoy this heartwarming story of friendship and overcoming your fears. Alison Evans is at the cutting edge of YA fiction and is definitely a writer to watch. Euphoria Kids will be enjoyed by readers aged 12+.

Angela Crocombe is the manager of Readings Kids.