Robertson’s now-familiar formula satisfies once again.
“Do you guys almost get killed or have to save the world, or somebody, every time you come here?”
The “guys” in question are Morgan and Eli, the Cree foster siblings who have moved between Earth and Askí for adventures aplenty in the previous three volumes of the Misewa Saga. They are talking to Emily, Morgan’s white girlfriend, who has traveled with them to this magical world populated by Cree-speaking animals called pisiskowak. In this volume, they learn that humans from Earth have somehow crossed into Askí and are kidnapping pisiskowak for display in a Winnipeg zoo. The focus in this outing changes from Morgan to Eli, who learns that his portal-opening powers are more extensive than he’d imagined. Though he shifts perspective, Robertson (Norway House Cree Nation) nevertheless delivers what series fans have come to expect: fast-paced adventure, humorous banter, and tender explorations of Indigenous experiences. Pisiskowak characters from earlier adventures make welcome returns, and the new animal beings the kids meet are excellent additions to the cast. One uses they/them pronouns, extending the series’ LGBTQ+ content beyond Morgan and Emily’s relationship. Critical revelations about Eli’s heritage and a bloody battle both close the tale and open the way for the next entry.
Robertson’s now-familiar formula satisfies once again. (map, pronunciation guide, glossary) (Fantasy. 10-14)Pub Date: Oct. 10, 2023
ISBN: 9781774880258
Page Count: 256
Publisher: Tundra Books
Review Posted Online: Aug. 11, 2023
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 1, 2023
Riveting, inspiring, and sometimes hilarious.
If you made a recording to be heard by the aliens who found the iPod, what would you record?
For 11-year-old Alex Petroski, it's easy. He records everything. He records the story of how he travels to New Mexico to a rocket festival with his dog, Carl Sagan, and his rocket. He records finding out that a man with the same name and birthday as his dead father has an address in Las Vegas. He records eating at Johnny Rockets for the first time with his new friends, who are giving him a ride to find his dead father (who might not be dead!), and losing Carl Sagan in the wilds of Las Vegas, and discovering he has a half sister. He even records his own awful accident. Cheng delivers a sweet, soulful debut novel with a brilliant, refreshing structure. His characters manage to come alive through the “transcript” of Alex’s iPod recording, an odd medium that sounds like it would be confusing but really works. Taking inspiration from the Voyager Golden Record released to space in 1977, Alex, who explains he has “light brown skin,” records all the important moments of a journey that takes him from a family of two to a family of plenty.
Riveting, inspiring, and sometimes hilarious. (Fiction. 10-14)Pub Date: Feb. 28, 2017
ISBN: 978-0-399-18637-0
Page Count: 320
Publisher: Dial Books
Review Posted Online: Oct. 18, 2016
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 1, 2016
BOOK REVIEW
Guaranteed to enchant, enthrall, and enmagick.
An elderly witch, a magical girl, a brave carpenter, a wise monster, a tiny dragon, paper birds, and a madwoman converge to thwart a magician who feeds on sorrow.
Every year Elders of the Protectorate leave a baby in the forest, warning everyone an evil Witch demands this sacrifice. In reality, every year, a kind witch named Xan rescues the babies and find families for them. One year Xan saves a baby girl with a crescent birthmark who accidentally feeds on moonlight and becomes “enmagicked.” Magic babies can be tricky, so Xan adopts little Luna herself and lovingly raises her, with help from an ancient swamp monster and a chatty, wee dragon. Luna’s magical powers emerge as her 13th birthday approaches. Meanwhile, Luna’s deranged real mother enters the forest to find her daughter. Simultaneously, a young carpenter from the Protectorate enters the forest to kill the Witch and end the sacrifices. Xan also enters the forest to rescue the next sacrificed child, and Luna, the monster, and the dragon enter the forest to protect Xan. In the dramatic denouement, a volcano erupts, the real villain attempts to destroy all, and love prevails. Replete with traditional motifs, this nontraditional fairy tale boasts sinister and endearing characters, magical elements, strong storytelling, and unleashed forces. Luna has black eyes, curly, black hair, and “amber” skin.
Guaranteed to enchant, enthrall, and enmagick. (Fantasy. 10-14)Pub Date: Aug. 9, 2016
ISBN: 978-1-61620-567-6
Page Count: 400
Publisher: Algonquin
Review Posted Online: May 13, 2016
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 1, 2016
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