Kat, Incorrigible by Stephanie Burgis

Kat, Incorrigible by Stephanie Burgis

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

From Goodreads:Twelve-year-old Kat Stephenson may be the despair of her social-climbing Step-Mama, but she was born to be a magical Guardian and protector of Society--if she can ever find true acceptance in the secret Order that expelled her own mother. She’s ready to turn the hidebound Order of the Guardians inside-out, whether the older members like it or not. And in a society where magic is the greatest scandal of all, Kat is determined to use all her powers to help her three older siblings--saintly Elissa, practicing-witch Angeline, and hopelessly foolish Charles--find their own true loves, even if she has to turn highwayman, battle wild magic, and confront real ghosts along the way!

My Take: Although Kat is only 12 years old, this book is definitely targeted at all ages. Kind of like Sesame Street. You loved it as a kid but as a mother, you see the nuances that are targeted at the parents and you laugh and laugh. And then you cry when your little one doesn't want Sesame Street anymore.

A vicar who is widowed, has four children; Charles the gambler (mostly absent in the book, as is the father), Elissa is 19 and marriageable, Angeline is 17 and polishing up on her mother's spells. Did I mention their dead mother was a witch? Well, she was. Kat is 12 and discovers she is a much more powerful being than she ever dreamed. Stepmama is a social climbing distraction and quite ready to secure the family social status and money by marrying off Elissa to a 40 year old bachelor who is rumored to have murdered his first wife. Elissa, ever the martyred soul (she loves novels where the protagonist is such) will marry the man for the good of the family). In the midst of this drama, Kat discovers her magic. Angeline has already been casting spells much to the amusement of the reader. Sir Neville, the widower turned eligible bachelor is {N}evil{lle} and other characters join the cast for an incredibly fun read.

My favorite parts involve Angeline and Kat's relationship which is simply hilarious. Angeline, in particular, is given the best dialog and tone. Overall, there is nothing about the book I didn't love.