A review by bibliomich
The Guardian Test (Legends of Lotus Island #1) by Christina Soontornvat

adventurous fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

What a fun middle grade fantasy! This would be a great series to introduce in a 3rd/4th grade classroom. It includes a number of common fantasy themes and tropes (the chosen one, found family, protectors of the planet) while also adding some much-needed diversity to the genre. I also appreciated that the main character struggles to gain her powers. So often in stories like these, the protagonist is "naturally gifted", but Plum finds it difficult to become a guardian, and she struggles with her place in the school. I'm absolutely planning to read the next books in the series.