Raven, Rising by Christine Hartman Derr | Middle Grade Spotlight

Raven, Rising by Christine Hartman Derr is perfect for middle grade readers who love baking, cozy fall stories, and a touch of magic.

I just want to give the protagonist of Raven, Rising a big hug. This poor girl recently lost both parents. Now living with her paternal aunt, Raven is the new kid in school. She is dealing with an awful lot. In addition to her grief (and guilt), she’s away from her beloved Cherokee community and dealing with bullying, prejudice, and a strict school dress code.

Even worse, Raven’s greatest joy was baking alongside her mother. Now that her mother is gone, Raven can’t even muster the desire to unpack her mother’s spices.

But the spices and other ingredients are calling to her, literally. Could Raven’s mother—and Raven herself—have real magic in the kitchen?

Why your students will love Raven, Rising

• The cozy autumn atmosphere makes it a perfect fall read.

• The kitchen magic adds just the right touch of fantasy without overpowering the realistic story.

• Raven is an easy protagonist to root for as she slowly rediscovers hope after unimaginable loss.

• Readers who enjoy stories about found family, healing, and self-discovery will connect with Raven’s journey.

• The book tackles tough topics like grief, bullying, and prejudice with warmth and optimism.

Library applications

• Display during Native American Heritage Month or alongside books by Indigenous authors.

• Pair with a baking or cooking-themed book display.

• Use in a “cozy fall reads” or “books with a touch of magic” display.

• Spark discussions about stereotypes, belonging, resilience, and finding joy after loss.

• Recommend to readers who enjoy character-driven contemporary fantasy with gentle magical elements.

Library and classroom applications

• Read aloud the opening chapter (available in the Titlewave preview). In just a few pages, students meet Raven, experience her grief over losing her parents, learn why she’s dreading her new school, and encounter the school’s queen bee. It’s an engaging introduction that quickly builds empathy for the protagonist.

• Discuss magical realism and how it differs from traditional fantasy. Unlike many fantasy novels, magical realism takes place in the real world, where magical elements are woven naturally into everyday life. In Raven, Rising, those magical elements emerge through Raven’s baking.

• Booktalk other middle grade novels that blend everyday life with magical elements, such as When You Trap a Tiger (Keller, 2020), Sugar and Spite (Villanueva, 2021), and Cassi and the House of Memories (Stuart, 2025).

With its cozy atmosphere, heartfelt themes, and gentle magic, Raven, Rising is an excellent choice for readers looking for a hopeful story about healing, family, and finding joy again.

Interested in more books for autumn?