An outcast teenage lesbian witch finds her coven hidden amongst the popular girls in her school, and performs some seriously badass magic in the process. Skulking near the bottom of West High's social pyramid, Sideways Pike lurks under the bleachers doing magic tricks for Coke bottles. As a witch, lesbian, and lifelong outsider, she's had a hard time making friends. But when the three most popular girls pay her $40 to cast a spell at their Halloween party, Sideways gets swept into a new clique. The unholy trinity are dangerous angels, sugar-coated rattlesnakes, and now-unbelievably-Sideways' best friends. Together, the four bond to form a ferocious and powerful coven. They plan parties, cast curses on dudebros, try to find Sideways a girlfriend, and elude the fundamentalist witch hunters hellbent on stealing their magic. But for Sideways, the hardest part is the whole 'having friends' thing. Who knew that balancing human interaction with supernatural peril could be so complicated? Rich with the urgency of feral youth, The Scapegracers explores growing up and complex female friendship with all the rage of a teenage girl. It subverts the trope of competitive mean girls and instead portrays a mercilessly supportive clique of diverse and vivid characters. It is an atmospheric, voice-driven novel of the occult, and the first of a three-book series.

About the Author
Hannah Abigail Clarke is here and queer, etc. They have been previously published in Portland Review (forthcoming), PRISM International, and Chaleur. They will graduate from college at Miami University (of Ohio) come May. The Scapegracers is their first novel. (They, he, or she pronouns)

Reviews
"Loner, lesbian teenage witch Sideways bubbles with nerves, insecurities, and longing in this action packed debut from a young queer writer. Jam packed with intensity of feeling ALL the feelings, Clarke takes us on a roller coaster ride, oscillating between headiness of recognizing one's own power, first date nerves, trying to smash the patriarchy while looking great at a party, and the dizzying joy of finding your clan. Bonus points for super sweet gay dads and all around great representation of diverse characters." --Chana Porter, author of The Seep "The Scapegracers wallops you with all the raw, thrilling vertigo of young love and new friendship, alongside a deeply-plotted mythology that will delight any magic fan. It's a jewel-studded book, with an unearthly glow. You will definitely want to join this coven." --Jess Zimmerman, author of Basic Witches "Sapphic teenage witches and slippery vengeance magic? Yes, please! Clarke's entertaining debut captures all the pleasure and pathos of viciously loyal high school cliques." --Katharine Duckett, author of Miranda in Milan "This is the dark, twisty, witchy book I've always wanted. Hannah's writing is brilliant and gorgeous and firework bright." --Kat Howard, author of An Unkindness of Magicians (She also said "Thanks so much for sending this - it reminds me of Megan Abbott's Dare Me, but with magic, which is perfect.") "The magic especially intrigued me--so spooky and weird and dangerous but addictive." --Shveta Thakrar, author of Star Daughter



Book Information
ISBN 9781645660002
Author Hannah A Clarke
Format Hardback
Page Count 400
Imprint Erewhon Books
Publisher Erewhon Books