In this hilarious follow-up to the New York Times bestseller Worst Broommate Ever , witch-in-training Heidi Heckelbeck struggles to keep a secret. Featuring black-and-white illustrations and doodles throughout and sparkly foil on the cover! Heidi is making new friends at Broomsfield Academy—in particular, a popular girl named Isabelle. But it turns out Isabelle has a big secret that Heidi discovers by accident! Heidi promises to keep the secret, but as more time goes by, it becomes more and more difficult…especially with nosy Melanie Maplethorpe snooping around. This secret is huge . Will Heidi be able to keep her promise? This novel is full of relatable middle school experiences: crushes, secrets, navigating new and old friendships, and struggling to do the right thing. A solid new addition for Heidi Hecklebeck fans that could also serve as an entry point for new readers. -- School Library Journal ― 03/01/24 This volume will entice new fans, welcome reluctant readers, and please those who have been awaiting Heidi’s latest exploits...Fun middle school antics with a dollop of light magic. -- Kirkus Reviews ― 2/15/2024 Wanda Coven has always loved magic. When she was little, she used to make secret potions from smooshed shells and acorns. Then she would pretend to transport herself and her friends to enchanted places. Now she visits other worlds through writing. Wanda lives with her husband and son in Colorado Springs, Colorado. They have three cats: Hilda, Agnes, and Claw-dia. Anna Abramskaya was born in Sevastopol, Ukraine. She graduated from Kharkiv State Academy of Design and Arts in 2006. Then she moved to the US where she’s currently living in the beautiful city of Jacksonville, Florida. Anna has loved art since she was little and has tried different materials and techniques. The process of creation and seeing beauty in the simple things around her always brings her joy and the wish to share that feeling with everyone. Anna wants to believe that art can help bring more love into people’s hearts. Find out more at AnnaAbramskaya.com. Chapter 1: Clearing Your Mind Is Easy, Right? CLEARING YOUR MIND IS EASY, RIGHT? Today is my first advanced magic lesson with Mrs. Kettledrum! Eeee! I’ve been waiting for this day for what seems like forever, but truthfully, it’s only been two absurdly long weeks. The coolest part is that I am the only one in my grade—so far—who has private magic lessons. One of my best friends, Sunny Akhtar, was a little bit jealous at first, but she and I had a heartfelt talk, and everything is good now. Phew! I totally understood how she felt. I know I would’ve been jealous if it had been the other way around. These lessons are such a big step for me as a witch. All I’ve ever wanted is to be the best witch I can be, and now I’m on my way. I’m positively buzzing with excitement as I walk across campus to Mrs. Kettledrum’s classroom. Is it possible that everyone and everything looks extra beautiful today? The sky looks bluer! And could it be that the birds are singing only to me? Everyone I pass either waves or says hi—even some of the upperclassmen. I am radiating confidence and happiness! When I open the door to the classroom, Momo, Mrs. Kettledrum’s corgi, leaps off her puppy bed and jumps into my arms. She licks me all over, which is kind of ew, but mostly adorable. Ever since I did an original spell that made Momo talk, she and I have had a special relationship. Momo got to say all the things she’d always dreamed of saying. Mrs. Kettledrum was super-impressed, and that’s when she said I was ready for private magic lessons. So here goes nothing! “Are you ready, Heidi?” Mrs. Kettledrum asks. She winks because she knows how excited I am. “I’m SO ready!” Then I follow Mrs. Kettledrum into her office. Momo trots after us too. “Have a seat, Heidi!” Mrs. Kettledrum says, and points to one of two cozy-looking chairs. I plop onto the middle of a blue plaid cushion. “Are you comfortable?” I bounce on the cushion. “Yup, totally comfy!” Mrs. Kettledrum drags the other chair in front of me and sits down. “Then let’s begin. Lesson number one,” she starts. “To strengthen your mind-reading gift, and to truly be a great witch, you must learn how to quiet and control your thoughts in any situation. Quick, successful magic can only be performed when your thoughts are calm and focused.” I nod vigorously, but I’m thinking, Being calm and focused are not exactly my strong points. Mrs. Kettledrum rests her hands on her lap. She looks very calm and focused. I’m pretty sure she never gets ruffled. She adjusts her glasses. “The first thing I want you to do, Heidi, is to come up with a mantra to get your mind into a quiet, peaceful place.” I raise my hand. “What’s a mantra?” Mrs. Kettledrum shuts her eyes, like she’s going into a trance or something, and then opens them again. “A mantra is a word, phrase, or sound that calms the mi