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4.05 AVERAGE
4.05 AVERAGE
adventurous
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying
Minor: Death of parent
adventurous
hopeful
lighthearted
Plum is an intriguing new protagonist, and I am excited to see where her story goes next. For now, she has left her small island home where she lives with her grandparents for a school to be a Guardian. Reminiscent of the Upside Down Magic series, the kids at the school all have unique gifts and talents, and are sorted into different types - Hand, Heart, Breath. The mean girl gets her comeuppance, and the rich boy is more than he seems.
This new series adds an exotic local - an almost-but-not-quite realistic tropical place. Plum can communicate with animals and plants. It doesn't seem strange to her because it is all she has ever known.
Soontornvat brings a fresh perspective to some familiar MG themes - boarding school for magic, orphaned girl who needs confidence, exotic animals. The spot illustrations will help support younger readers too. I wish the illustrations were a little clearer, but that's a book production issue out of the control of the illustrator. The manga-esque style is new, and kids will love it.
The first book resolves nicely, but does have that first-book-of-a-series feel to it. All good - kids will be excited to read more!
This new series adds an exotic local - an almost-but-not-quite realistic tropical place. Plum can communicate with animals and plants. It doesn't seem strange to her because it is all she has ever known.
Soontornvat brings a fresh perspective to some familiar MG themes - boarding school for magic, orphaned girl who needs confidence, exotic animals. The spot illustrations will help support younger readers too. I wish the illustrations were a little clearer, but that's a book production issue out of the control of the illustrator. The manga-esque style is new, and kids will love it.
The first book resolves nicely, but does have that first-book-of-a-series feel to it. All good - kids will be excited to read more!
I really enjoyed this first book. The magic system was cool and I really enjoyed the characters and the messages about being a guardian of nature.
3.5⭐️ such a sweet read! I can’t tell you the last time I read a Young Readers book for just this age range. It reminded me a lot of Aiden Thomas’ Sunbearer trials for a younger audience!
I’m hoping to pick up a copy when it’s officially published so I can see all of the illustrations. The cover art is beautiful so I’m sure the rest of the art will be as well.
I received this arc through my bookseller job at B&N! Very glad to have read it!
“Worms always think they know everything…”
I’m hoping to pick up a copy when it’s officially published so I can see all of the illustrations. The cover art is beautiful so I’m sure the rest of the art will be as well.
I received this arc through my bookseller job at B&N! Very glad to have read it!
“Worms always think they know everything…”
I loved A Wish in the Dark, and The Last Mapmaker. This book is for younger students, but I think it would be a good fit for my reluctant readers in 7th grade as well. It is a slim volume, but a nice middle grade fantasy.
I personally wished it was longer, or the 2nd volume was already published, but for middle school students not ready for lengthier fantasy novels, this is a perfect length, and a nice story.
I personally wished it was longer, or the 2nd volume was already published, but for middle school students not ready for lengthier fantasy novels, this is a perfect length, and a nice story.
Loved this book! Such a wonderful introduction into the fantasy genre for 4th graders (even some 3rd graders) and up. Love the interweaving of mindfulness and meditation within the scope of the narrative. The main character of Plum is relatable and genuine as is her relationships with her fellow trainees.
A definite must read and addition to your library at home and school.
A definite must read and addition to your library at home and school.
adventurous
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
A fantastic start to a fantasy series for the younger middle grade reader set--I loved it! If anything I wanted more, so I'm glad that the second book is out already. Fast paced, no words are wasted. The story and world building just keep pushing forward from moment one. Also a great twist on the idea of "magic school". Would appeal to anyone who enjoys magic school fantasy books. -SKB