Fooled

In this fresh, funny, and fast-paced story, chaos ensues when a down-on-its-luck middle school comes to believe that fake magic is the real deal!

Magic loving, wheelchair user Lil Evers wishes she could start sixth grade at a real wizarding school, instead of the worst junior high in her district. But when she leads her friends in roleplaying their own magic school in the Exceptional Children's (EC) class for special education, it helps the school days feel more bearable.

When their magic wands end up scaring some bullies away in a chance encounter, the EC students' standing at school does a total 180. Students think their magic is actually real--and that Lil and her friends can grant their wishes with good luck charms! Strangest of all, the charms seem to be working...

But it becomes clear that there's someone lurking who doesn't want the good luck to spread. Can Lil let go of her fantasy world to find her voice--and embrace her real  school--before Willow Street Middle falls victim to an evil plan?

From the co-authors of the critically acclaimed memoir The Year of the Buttered Cat comes an imaginative novel that shines a spotlight on the way the school system often fails students with disabilities--while showcasing the power of those very students to make positive change.

Author: Susan Haas,Lexi Haas
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Published: 10/21/2025
Pages: 288
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 0.77lbs
Size: 7.86h x 5.60w x 1.00d
ISBN: 9780316581264
Audience: Ages 9-12


Review Citation(s):
Bulletin of Ctr for Child Bks 09/01/2025
Booklist 08/01/2025
Kirkus Reviews 09/01/2025

About the Author
Susan and Lexi Haas are a mother and daughter writing team focusing on disability education and advocacy and the authors of The Year of the Buttered Cat, a Junior Library Guild gold standard selection. Lexi has a rare and severe form of cerebral palsy. While she can't walk or talk, she was reading by ten months old, has an impressive memory, a keen sense of humor, and an invincible spirit. Recognizing her young daughter's gift for words, Susan began writing with Lexi to help foster independence and develop communication, but soon learned that Lexi's fresh perspective needed to be shared with others. In addition to writing together, Susan and Lexi also enjoy presenting to schools and organizations around the world, helping others learn about disability from a first-person narrative. They live in Charlotte, NC.