Son of a Trickster

Supernatural powers, especially in young adult fiction, are often idolized and envied as a strength, but Robinson’s idea of magic is dark, dangerous, and unnerving; for Jared it is more of a curse than a blessing. Magic is closely tied to mental health and fear of judgment, and even though magic provides an explanation for his peculiar experiences, it initially makes Jared question his sanity and makes him feel “weak.” Maggie, Nana Sophia, Mrs. Jaks, and even Jwa’sins keep their magic hidden from Jared, suggesting it is better kept secret and not shared for the sake of living a “normal” life. This advice is not unwarranted, given that Phil has always thought Maggie was “delusional” for having “this whole imaginary world going where she’s a big powerful witch and she’s being chased by mythical creatures” (271).

Jared faces a similar situation, worried that Sarah will not believe any of the things he sees. She used to hear the fireflies as child, but her mother sent her to therapy, and as a result, Sarah has repressed her magic. When Jared shares his magic with her unintentionally, it is a revelation for Sarah: she feels “alive for the first time ever” (297), but the magnitude of the experience, coupled with her already unstable mental health, overwhelms her to the point of attempting suicide.