Oddly Normal Book 1 Review

Oddly Normal is oddly endearing.

(Thank you NetGalley for a copy)
 
Review
Oddly Normal is actually an average story of a young girl who is an outcast at her school. In this case for being half witch, which includes having pointed ears and green hair. Oddly's witch mother and very normal human father seem oblivious to their daughter's ridiculed and lonely status at her tenth birthday where no one shows up. Things then get very odd when a frustrated Oddly wishes for her parents to disappear...and they do with the house as well leaving Oddly with her great Aunt in her mother's homeworld of Fignation until they discover what happened to her parents.

In this magical, colorful land Oddly thinks she might actually fit in only to sadly discover that regardless of the world kids can be cruel. In fact, things might be even more cruel in this world when it seems Oddly's English teacher seems to have something against her. Otis Frampton's Oddly Normal starts at a steady pace introducing our young heroine, her worlds, etc and ends with promises of something big on the horizon to come making it an interesting, cute read.

Like many magic or monster influenced stories there are references to classic literature and pop culture of the same vein. In Oddly Normal's case there are quite a few elements from Wizard of Oz: Oddly starting her monologue off by referencing a "witch trying to get shoes back from a selfish girl," as well as the water weakness being a common trait for witches here as well as having green skin. In half-witch Oddly's case water just hurts her and she just has green hair. It's also interesting to note the difference in coloring between the normal human world and magical Fignation. Earth's colors were a more diluted and drab shades but Fignation is full of bright colors. Not to mention a parallel of young girls wanting to get away and ending up in a beautiful but still dangerous world. As one reads through the book they'll find an many little nods in character names and such.

 Age Group Recommendation
Oddly Normal is an ideal book for young readers, particularly those with an interest in magic and other Harry Potter like things. The art style is also very cute and detailed among the many characters, perfect for any young reader.