Evil Was a Child Once is the story of two sad, lonely children who become friends as they each seek answers to tough questions.

Evil is the victim of a centuries-old curse that compels her to draw terrible scenes that often come true. Her hopes are on her father, Rev. Mather, who must read an ancient diary before the anniversary to cure her.

Davey's father, a police officer, was shot and killed on the job, leaving Davey and his mother alone.

They meet in the Library of Strange and Unusual Things, a magical place that holds a potential cure for Evil and comfort for Davey. 

The characters in this book are well-developed, and the author, Wendra Colleen, does an excellent job of describing them and their surroundings in a way that's easy to picture. The Library is as much a character as any of the people in this book, and I thought several times that I wished I could visit.

The current story of Evil's curse and the death of Davey's father is intertwined with familiar names and elements of the 1600s witch trials. This historical element adds a layer of intrigue to Evil's situation and intensifies the urgency to find a cure. 

Despite the story's darkness, Evil Was a Child Once is ultimately a heart-warming tale of friendship between two children who find common ground in their feelings that they don't belong.

The book includes a few illustrations of Evil's drawings, which is a nice touch. 

I think I would've really enjoyed this story when I was in middle school. 

(I received an ARC for review purposes.)