How to Heal a Gryphon

By: Meg Cannistra

Narrated by: Lillie Ricciardi

“A funny, fantastical mystery. . . Perfect for fans of Rick Riordan.” —Laura Ruby, Two-Time National Book Award Finalist and author of the YORK Trilogy

“I could live with these characters and in this world for a good long while. Bring on the sequel!" —New York Times bestselling author Julie Murphy

To save her family, she’ll have to make a dangerous bargain and tip the scales of balance.

With her thirteenth birthday just around the corner, Giada Bellantuono has to make a big decision: Will she join the family business and become a healer or follow her dreams? But even though she knows her calling is to heal vulnerable animals, using her powers to treat magical creatures is decidedly not allowed.

When a group of witches kidnaps her beloved older brother, Rocco, and her parents are away, Giada is the only person left who can rescue him. Swept into the magical underground city of Malafi, Giada will need the help of her new companions to save her brother—or risk losing him forever.

Can’t wait for the next book!

I LOVED the themes on this novel! All of them are so important for young preteens and teens trying to find their own way. There was beautiful examples of body positivity, importance of family, loyalty to oneself and others, kindness to creatures (real and imagined). Such a fantastic and captivating tale! I feel like I was with Giada every step of the way!

The ancient in modern garb

I like the Italian/Roman angle, and it might spark an interest in young readers to research the gods Diane and Apollo, words like Malavita, and the nature of lunar tides in Italy, etc. I was amused by the fishing for stars scene; how did the ancients view the stars? This fantasy presents a reality that we can hope for, one in which preteens are wonderfully aware, articulate and decisive. Of course adults are well-meaning and useless. Age 13 marks the end of boring school and the embarkation of a career, only Giada has to delay her ambition to be a magical veterinarian, These early teen adults can jump right in and deal with significant health issues, such as fertility problems. But Giada must first be a 21st century super hero before she can settle down to a career.
However, though the story wants to ground itself in the ancient peoples/gods of Rome, the words “magic” and “conjure”are used in ways recognizable only in modern cartoons.

It’s an action-filled story, but I can’t imagine it would have traction with anyone older Giada.

emotions in all characters.

I really did not see anything bad about this book. and everything was strung to get her perfectly

Everything was fantastic.

I listened to this with my kiddo. We both loved it! The series had enough for adults to enjoy, but not too much for kids. And the narrator was fantastic! This is the first time I’ll be seeking out more books from a narrator. An amazing book and performance! I can’t recommend it to my parent friends enough! (Also just to general friends, haha.)