Chai Jinxed by Emi Pinto is a delightful middle-grade fantasy novel that blends magic, humor, and heartfelt lessons about self-belief and perseverance. Set in a South Asian–inspired world, the story follows Misha Dayaan, a young witch with a penchant for brewing mishaps. After a love potion gone awry leads to her expulsion from yet another school, Misha returns home to find her family’s tea shop’s reputation under threat from a rival establishment. Determined to restore her family’s standing, she enrolls at Margaret’s Academy of Tea and Brewing, hoping to master the art of enchanted chai and prove her worth. https://www.emipinto.com/
Pinto crafts a vivid narrative filled with whimsical elements, from ghostly tea leaves to living scarecrows, keeping readers engaged as Misha navigates challenges both magical and personal. The protagonist’s relentless optimism, encapsulated in her mantra, “I can fix this,” resonates throughout the story, offering readers a relatable and inspiring character who embodies the struggles of self-doubt and the journey toward self-acceptance.
The novel has garnered positive reviews for its enchanting storytelling and unique premise. Booklist praises it as a “sweetly satisfying romp,” noting that even readers who don’t drink tea will be spellbound by the mystical properties of tea brewing. Kirkus Reviews commends Pinto’s original fantasy elements set in a South Asian–inspired world, highlighting Misha’s imperfections and the delightful wordplay throughout the book.
Dr. Emi Pinto, the creative mind behind Chai Jinxed, is a Canadian author with a rich cultural background. She enjoys writing about cute ghosts, awkward witches, and food from her mixed South Asian and Franco-Ontarian heritage. When she’s not weaving stories, Emi can be found exploring forest trails with her family, traveling the world, researching, and advising on international assistance programs. https://www.emipinto.com/books
I reached out to Emi for her family favourite recipe and she graciously shared her favourite treat: Basin Burfi with her Mom’s Marsala Chai in our Recipe section. This sweet treat and chai will quickly become your go-to comfort food!
Chai Jinxed is Pinto’s second novel, following her debut, “Bee Bakshi and the Gingerbread Sisters,” which was a finalist for the Jean Little First Novel Award. Her works often explore themes of friendship, family, and self-love, wrapped in magical adventures that captivate young readers. Get copies of both books at https://www.emipinto.com/books or enter to win a copy of Chai Jinxed in our Giveaway section.
Chai Jinxed offers a magical journey steeped in cultural richness and life lessons. Emi Pinto’s storytelling not only entertains but also encourages readers to embrace their unique qualities and believe in their potential, making this novel a must-read for young fantasy enthusiasts.
Chai Jinxed by Emi Pinto. Copyright © 2024 by Midori Derome-Pinto. Published by HarperCollins Publishers. All rights reserved. https://www.harpercollins.ca/9780063275775/chai-jinxed/
