In Boden’s middle-grade novel, 12-year-old Plum navigates her relationships at home and at school.

On paper, Plum is a conventional kid: She lives with her mother, helps run the family’s curio shop, and does all of her homework. In reality, things are more complicated—Plum finds herself struggling to communicate her ideas and feelings freely to her mother and falling behind in school, all under the harsh pressure of a social environment laden with bullying and loneliness. Plum’s perspective begins to shift when, in quick succession, three people comment on how her mood seems to have changed. The first to do so is Plum’s mother: “You are always angry.” Later, Plum becomes nervous about her demeanor when a classmate notes that plums “are usually sweet” and that fruit “can go bad if left too long.” Finally, a teacher remarks that Plum seems distracted and sad: “I’ve been teaching for a long time, Plum, and if there’s one skill I’ve honed over the years, it’s the ability to spot someone who’s not very happy.” All of these interactions come together to make Plum wonder if she should be doing more to take responsibility for her negative feelings. While Plum comes across as introspective and intelligent, she also appears to need more support and guidance than she is able to receive from peers and adults in her life. The novel’s strongest driving force is, without a doubt, the characterization of its protagonist, Plum; readers get access to her inner monologue, which often contrasts with the way she acts toward others. This approach allows readers to see Plum’s true desires, her anxieties, and the standards she is held to, both by herself and others. Additionally, the pacing, though slower than in some other coming-of-age stories, allows readers to learn about and grow alongside Plum organically throughout the narrative. Boden’s novel will resonate with readers looking to reexamine the tangled pathways of growing up through a sensitive, nuanced lens.

An intimate coming-of-age story about identity and family.

In Boden’s debut middle-grade fantasy novel, a contemporary tween girl is prophesied to save the Nine Realms of Norse mythology.

Seventh grader Cindrheim Vustora Moss doesn’t back down from a fight; when an invisible monster charges her at her Virginia school, she’s lucky that four powerful, sword-wielding girls suddenly show up to help. They’re Predators, warriors from the realm of Vanaheim who were sent to protect Cinder, though they don’t know why. They take her to Iceland, where she’s flabbergasted to meet figures whom she’d always believed to be mythological beings, from the Valkyries to Odin the Allfather. Evidently, an ancient prophecy indicates that Cinder will somehow save the Nine Realms, but she won’t get details about her quest until just before she embarks on it. In the meantime, Cinder trains in combat and braves the harrowing Gauntlet, which includes a pit of assorted creatures (like bloodsucking slugs). It’s grueling work, and the quest is sure to be rife with danger; will Cinder rise to the challenge to see her mission through? Boden’s novel (and prospective series kickoff) boasts a sublime young hero. Cinder certainly has her flaws, like a confidence that occasionally slips into arrogance. At the same time, she is courageous and indefatigable, and she puts others’ well-being above her own. The author blends taut descriptions of Norse gods and mythology with contemporary dialogue that pops. In addition to the deities, the extensive cast ranges from vicious insectlike creatures to the instantly likable half-elf Brandon, who hails from California. All of this is a lot for Cinder to absorb—the story never forgets that she’s a 12-year-old girl. (Tristan, who designed the Gauntlet, may be a haughty jerk, but he’s also the “cutest boy [Cinder has] ever seen.”) This first installment ends with one of Cinder’s goals checked off but plenty of lingering questions.

A hefty, entertaining fantasy.