What the Critics Have to Say About Stormwitch

Gulflive.com
". . .The book gains strength and ends in a
crescendo when Hurricane Camille comes on shore. . . the unflinching approach may be refreshing
and fun for teen readers, especially African Americans. An easy and fast read, this novel is
highly recommended for adults as well. . ."

Wandsandworlds.com
". . .A powerful story told in an accessible way, Stormwitch brings to life both the devastation of
Hurricane Camille and the horrors of segregation. . ."

The Endicott Studio for Mythic Arts
". . .Susan Vaught's new novel Stormwitch braids together the fascinating history of African women
warriors of the Fon Empire in Dahomey, the contemporary Civil Rights struggles of
Mississippi in the late 60s, and the devastating power of Hurricane Camille, the first Category 5
hurricane to sweep onland in the United States . . . Within this very gripping plot, the novel
manages to succinctly touch many themes: the search for identity, the brutality of racism, and
the powerful force of love and compassion when mixed with courage and conviction. It is no
wonder Stormwitch won the 2006 Carl Brandon Society Kindred Award for best novel."

Kirkus
"Haitian conjuring and American historical fiction boldly weave together weather, magic, religion, and ancestral history...
Gritty details of the civil-rights movement and Dahomey (and world-wide) history of slavery form a powerful
story that's archetypal, magical, and realistic all at once."

Booklist
"In this forceful blend of fantasy and historical fiction, a girl calls on the magic of her African ancestors to fight racism
and dark spiritual forces...teens will easily relate to Ruba's desire for empowerment, her rage, and the provocative
questions about justice, race, and the role of violence in creating change."

Children's Book Council

"...Rises above the well-worn ground of Southern black/white conflict... ultimately fulfilling...

Children's Literature

"...Tension builds steadily through Susan Vaught's gripping novel. Ruba's continued strength and determination
in the face of these societal and environmental threats is engaging. A difficult book to put down, this might be a good
choice for teachers who want to address themes of civil rights or cultural differences..."

School Library Journal

"This story offers a smooth blend of historical fact, suspense, and magic...Ruba's tumultuous battle with the mystical stormwitch is compelling and liberating. Like her Mississippi cousins, readers will find Ruba an intriguing adolescent
mix of cultural pride, emotional insecurity, and st"This story offers a smooth blend of historical fact, suspense, and magic...Ruba's tumultuous battle with the mystical stormwitch is compelling and liberating. Like her Mississippi cousins, readers will find Ruba an intriguing adolescent mix of cultural pride, emotional insecurity, and stubborn determination."

Teenreads.com

The personal and public turmoil that Ruba faces make this book a compelling
read. The descriptions of life in Mississippi in 1969 are realistic and the
story is well-written. Full of historical references, magic and suspense,
STORMWITCH is a great page-turner.
Sarah Sawtelle

Clarksville Leaf-Chronicle

If you read "Stormwitch," you will see Ruba struggle with the difficulties
that challenge her, in this amazing story of a girl overcoming the
unbelievable.
Anthony Diaz, Grade 8, Clarksville Leaf-Chronicle

YeahWrite! The Children's Literary Review

This book is filled with adventure and shows how, if one tries, you can
succeed at anything. This is a great book for a reader looking for a tale
of excitement.
Sam Harris, Grade 9, School of the Woods High, Houston, TX