An orphan with big dreams becomes entangled in the corrupt magic system of her city in this gripping middle-grade fantasy adventure from critically acclaimed author Isaac Fitzsimons—perfect for fans of Chronicles of Whetherwhy and School for Thieves.

ASTRA FOX AND THE RISE OF THE WONDERWORKERS
by Isaac Fitzsimons
Aladdin, September 2026
(via JABberwocky)

Astra Fox longs to be a wonderworker, traveling the world and casting fantastical illusions. But as a ward of the awful Sisters of Sorrows’ Foundling Home for Friendless Children, her dreams seem impossible. Then Astra’s fate takes an incredible turn when she’s granted an apprenticeship with the Bellamys, a prominent family who made their fortune manufacturing wonderwork into everyday products.

Surrounded by wealth and glamor, Astra is captivated by her new world and feels closer to her ideal future than ever before. But when rumors of a mysterious figure who sparks rebellions reach the city, Mr. Bellamy places Astra in his gilding factory as a spy, promising sponsorship and an opportunity to explore the world as a wonderworker in exchange.

Now working in the same factory from which her sister disappeared years earlier, Astra experiences firsthand the perils and injustices suffered by the employees and discovers a larger plot that puts them all in danger. With the help of her new friends and some unexpected allies, can Astra put her dreams aside to save Empire City?

Isaac Fitzsimons writes so that every reader can see themselves reflected in literature. His debut novel, The Passing Playbook, received numerous accolades, including being named a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard selection, a Kirkus Best Young Adult Romance of 2021, and a 2022 Lambda Literary Award finalist. Isaac has previously dabbled in performing sketch comedy and learning how to play the banjo. His dream vacation would be to travel around Europe via sleeper train and see every top-tier soccer team play a home game. He currently lives outside Washington, DC.