Kat, Incorrigible (The Unladylike Adventures of  Kat Stephenson, #1)by Stephanie Burgis

Katherine Ann Stephenson has just discovered that she's inherited her mother's magical talents, and despite Stepmama's stern objections, she's determined to learn how to use them. But with her eldest sister Elissa's intended fiancé, the sinister Sir Neville, showing a dangerous interest in Kat's magical potential; her other sister, Angeline, wreaking romantic havoc with her own witchcraft; and a highwayman lurking in the forest, even Kat's reckless heroism will be tested to the upmost. If she can learn to control her new powers, will Kat be able to rescue her family and win her sisters their true love? (goodreads.com)

This book was EVERYTHING I wanted it to be and MORE! I have to say that the only reason I didn't get this book as soon as it came out was because of the hardcover price. It seemed awfully expensive to spend $20 on a middle grade novel. I'm sorry. I just can't do that. I remember when I could buy two books as a kid and not spend over $10. Sigh. How I long for the dinosaur ages some times.BUT! I got this book as a Christmas gift from Ms. Kristi McSneakypants and of course I devoured it in one evening.I must say that I adored this book. ADORED! Kat was sassy, funny, smart and didn't cater to the rules of society. She didn't let her sisters dictate how she should act and she didn't let her stupid Stepmother tell her what to do. There was magic and intrigue and potential murder and plotting... oh, how this book was DEVINE! It was whimsical and mysterious and funny and I loved every second of it.I even adore the cover of the book! Both the front and back are drawn and it's just so lovely!There's really not much more to say about the book because I'll end up gushing and gushing over the writing, dialogue and plot. I loved so much about it and it is certainly a book I would have devoured when I was 7-10. I just loved everything in this book. LOVED IT! It made me smile, giggle and feel good about reading again. It was light and fun and I was so caught up in the story I didn't even notice the time passing as I read.Seriously, this book is just a delight in every way. It would have been nice if the mentioned brother Charlie would have made an appearance, but really, he wasn't needed in the story so just mentioning him was enough. There wasn't a lot of Kat's father either, though I wonder if the next book deal more with the Stephenson men.I am certainly curious about this whole Guardian thing. It wasn't really explained, only that they exist. What do they Guard? Why are they better than witches? So many magical questions that I need to know more about!If you're looking for a great magical story, middle grade or not, this is one that you should pick up. The more I read historical fantasy the more I am certain that I am happy to have not been born in Victorian times. Having to wear dresses and get married off to old, creepy men because they have status and money? SO not my style. I'd have been VERY much like Kat, I believe.Also, I rather like my short, purple & pink hair. I don't think that would have been well received back then. ;)Oh, and PLEASE NOTE - this book is an EXCELLENT example of a series being named SOMETHING OTHER THAN THE FIRST BOOK TITLE. Yes, that needed to be all caps.  Whereas you might see this listed as "Kat, Incorrigible, #1" in some places, there does appear to be a real name for the series. See below. I rather like the series name. It's not that hard to do, now is it? PUBLISHERS, pay attention to this format! It's proper!! Rant over. *ahem*The Unladylike Adventures of Kat Stephenson

1. Kat, Incorrigible
2. Renegade Magic
3. Stolen Magic - April 2013