Books like Magic or madness by Justine Larbalestier

Reason Cansino lives in a coastal Sydney suburb with her grandmother, whom she believes secretly practices witchcraft. Her ordinary life is upended when she is transported to New York City, a place full of unexpected magic and intrigue. In the bustling streets of the Big Apple, Reason must learn to distinguish friends from foes while confronting the blurred lines between reality and imagination. Themes of family, identity, and mental health weave through her adventures as she discovers that sometimes the greatest magic lies in the relationships we build. This juvenile fiction novel blends elements of magic, space and time travel, and the everyday challenges of adolescence. The story explores the complexities of mental illness and the potent bonds between grandparents and grandchildren in a fresh, engaging narrative that resonates with young readers navigating their own worlds.

First publish date: 2005