I picked up TEACHER’S PET: SALEM’S TAILS #2: SABRINA, THE TEENAGE WITCH, penned by Patricia Barnes-Svarney, expecting a light, fun read, and you know what?
It delivered.
Published back in 1997 as part of the “Salem’s Tails” series, this young adult novel follows everyone’s favorite teenage witch, Sabrina Spellman, as she navigates the trials and tribulations of high school, magic, and, of course, a talking cat.
About TEACHER’S PET: SALEM’S TAILS #2: SABRINA, THE TEENAGE WITCH
This book whisks us back to a time when Sabrina’s magic was still relatively new, her aunts were full of quirky wisdom, and Salem, well, Salem was his usual sarcastic self.
Barnes-Svarney captures the essence of the beloved TV show while adding her own unique spin.
The story centers around a new teacher at Westbridge High, Mr. Snipe, who seems a bit too perfect.
His classes are engaging, his tests are easy, and he’s charming to a fault.
Sabrina, initially thrilled, soon becomes suspicious.
Is Mr. Snipe just a great teacher, or is something more sinister at play?
A Bewitching Beginning
TEACHER’S PET: SALEM’S TAILS #2: SABRINA, THE TEENAGE WITCH immediately plunges you into Sabrina’s world.
We see her grappling with everyday teenage woes – homework, crushes, and social dynamics – all while trying to keep her magical powers under wraps.
The introduction of Mr. Snipe throws a magical wrench into the works, setting the stage for a mystery that keeps you guessing.
Barnes-Svarney’s writing style is breezy and engaging, perfectly capturing the tone of the original Sabrina comics and the popular TV show.
Structure and Style of TEACHER’S PET
The book is structured in a classic chapter format, making it a quick and easy read.
Barnes-Svarney does a fantastic job of balancing the humor and the more serious aspects of the story.
Sabrina’s internal monologue is witty and relatable, while the interactions between her, Salem, and her aunts provide plenty of comedic relief.
The pacing is well-maintained, keeping the reader hooked with a steady stream of clues and red herrings.
Perhaps one minor drawback is the occasional reliance on sitcom-like scenarios, but this doesn’t detract significantly from the overall enjoyment of the story.
Delving into the Magical Mystery
TEACHER’S PET: SALEM’S TAILS #2: SABRINA, THE TEENAGE WITCH weaves a compelling tale about the deceptive nature of appearances.
Sabrina’s journey from suspicion to investigation showcases her growing maturity and resourcefulness.
The mystery surrounding Mr. Snipe unfolds gradually, with enough twists and turns to keep you guessing until the very end.
Barnes-Svarney cleverly incorporates elements of mythology and folklore, adding another layer of depth to the narrative.
The book explores themes of trust, responsibility, and the importance of staying true to yourself, all wrapped up in a magically entertaining package.
A Touch of Nostalgia
Reading TEACHER’S PET felt like revisiting a cherished part of my childhood.
It rekindled that sense of wonder and excitement I felt watching Sabrina’s adventures on TV.
Barnes-Svarney’s writing perfectly captures the spirit of the character, making it a delightful read for both longtime fans and newcomers alike.
Who Should Cast a Spell on This Book?
This book is perfect for anyone who enjoys a lighthearted, magically infused read.
Fans of the Sabrina the Teenage Witch comics and TV show will particularly enjoy this nostalgic trip down memory lane.
It’s also a great choice for younger readers who are just starting to explore the world of young adult fiction.
If you’re looking for a fun, engaging story with a touch of magic, then TEACHER’S PET: SALEM’S TAILS #2: SABRINA, THE TEENAGE WITCH is definitely worth picking up.
You can find other great books like this on [Goodreads](https://www.goodreads.com/).
Final Thoughts on TEACHER’S PET
TEACHER’S PET: SALEM’S TAILS #2: SABRINA, THE TEENAGE WITCH is a delightful escape into a world of magic, mystery, and teenage hijinks.
Patricia Barnes-Svarney’s writing is engaging and humorous, capturing the essence of the beloved Sabrina character.
While the plot may be somewhat predictable, it’s the journey, not the destination, that makes this book so enjoyable.
It’s a light, fun read that’s perfect for a lazy afternoon or a nostalgic trip back to the ’90s.
So, grab a cup of coffee, curl up in your favorite reading nook, and let Sabrina and Salem cast their spell on you.
You won’t regret it.
I’m hoping Barnes-Svarney wrote more entries in the series, perhaps revisiting other memorable creatures, storylines and characters from the TV franchise.
The series might have been better had it made more of an effort to incorporate supporting characters like Harvey, Libby or Valerie.
I recall the storylines from the TV series rather well.
It would have been quite cool to revisit some of those storylines in novel form.
TEACHER’S PET: SALEM’S TAILS #2: SABRINA, THE TEENAGE WITCH is a fantastic reminder why Sabrina is so loved after all these years.
It would be interesting to explore Sabrina in college, a storyline visited on the TV show, in one of these novels.
I think there would be plenty of opportunities to revisit themes and scenarios from the show and reimagine them for the books.
The possibilities are endless.
I wholeheartedly believe fans would rejoice at seeing their favorite characters come to life on the page in an all new way!
