THE TALENT THIEF

After two meteors collide, Tiffany is able to take on another person’s talents, but she has to learn how to use her powers for good.

Tiffany lives in a mobile home with her single dad. She used to be more colorful and expressive, but since her grandmother passed away, she’s felt cursed. The 12-year-old hides in the shadows, trying to avoid mean girl Candace’s bullying. Her social life consists of her school’s online video game club and a few old friends at Sunny Vistas Assisted Living who really are old—in their 90s! Maybe her new ability is a corrective measure sent by her grandmother from above? Mimi always called Tiffany her Shining Star, and after all, Tiffany does need help. If she wants to win the fundraiser contest that could save the dilapidated planetarium where her father works, she has to enter the spotlight. There’s a lot of heart and humor in this book; Tiffany is a quirky, honest narrator. Initially giddy about her strange new capabilities, she soon faces the ethical consequences of taking another’s talents—but talents freely given are another matter. With the support of her gaming club and the shared life experiences of her elderly friends, Tiffany finds her voice and reclaims her confidence. Readers will laugh out loud and be moved to tears as Tiffany proves to be the Shining Star Mimi always said she was. Main characters default to White.

A fresh, heartwarming take on self-acceptance and true friends. Huzzah!