A review by literatehedgehog
The First State of Being by Erin Entrada Kelly

adventurous emotional medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

that author dedication -- to the laughing man -- tells you so much about this book. So much heart and heartbreak, a splash (or more) of time travel, and a plot reveal that kids will gasp over (or crow about predicting). Plus the cover -- can't wait to ask kids about the water reflection!!