by K. O'Neill ; illustrated by K. O'Neill ‧ RELEASE DATE: March 7, 2023
A nature-based coming-of-age story aglow with the light of loving bonds and communal living.
A girl learns about herself and the wider world as she takes on the mantle of Moth Keeper.
When Anya takes her Moth Keeper vows, she knows it means spending nights alone in the desert being a beacon, guardian, and companion to the Moon-Moths. Given as a reward by the Moon-Spirit, the Moon-Moths pollinate the Night-Flower tree, which confers special blessings to the nocturnal community. Anya thrives at first, but the vast darkness and an ancient ghost gnaw at her. Worse, the abundance and warmth of the sun-village are irresistible. Can Anya fulfill her vows to protect her friends, found family, and the Moon-Moths, or will everything be lost with the rising sun? Expressing quiet resilience, this story lifts up nature’s symbiotic relationships and the power of community. Inspired by the alpine landscapes, flora, and fauna of Aotearoa New Zealand, the illustrations revel in the contrast between nighttime indigo and glowing desert colors. At times the storytelling is carried by detailed wordless spreads; at others, oral storytelling is woven into the larger narrative. The characters present with a diverse range of skin tones as well as a mixture of human and animal features. Anya has golden tan skin, wide golden eyes, black eyebrows, and a mane of golden fur that extends into foxlike ears. One character has albinism, and one walks with the use of a cane.
A nature-based coming-of-age story aglow with the light of loving bonds and communal living. (author’s note, sketches) (Graphic fantasy. 8-12)Pub Date: March 7, 2023
ISBN: 978-0-593-18227-7
Page Count: 272
Publisher: Random House Graphic
Review Posted Online: Dec. 13, 2022
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 2023
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by Annie Matthew ; developed by Kobe Bryant ‧ RELEASE DATE: Aug. 24, 2021
A worthy combination of athletic action, the virtues of inner strength, and the importance of friendship.
A young tennis champion becomes the target of revenge.
In this sequel to Legacy and the Queen (2019), Legacy Petrin and her friends Javi and Pippa have returned to Legacy’s home province and the orphanage run by her father. With her friends’ help, she is in training to defend her championship when they discover that another player, operating under the protection of High Consul Silla, is presenting herself as Legacy. She is so convincing that the real Legacy is accused of being an imitation. False Legacy has become a hero to the masses, further strengthening Silla’s hold, and it becomes imperative to uncover and defeat her. If Legacy is to win again, she must play her imposter while disguised as someone else. Winning at tennis is not just about money and fame, but resisting Silla’s plans to send more young people into brutal mines with little hope of better lives. Legacy will have to overcome her fears and find the magic that allowed her to claim victory in the past. This story, with its elements of sports, fantasy, and social consciousness that highlight tensions between the powerful and those they prey upon, successfully continues the series conceived by late basketball superstar Bryant. As before, the tennis matches are depicted with pace and spirit. Legacy and Javi have brown skin; most other characters default to White.
A worthy combination of athletic action, the virtues of inner strength, and the importance of friendship. (Fantasy. 9-12)Pub Date: Aug. 24, 2021
ISBN: 978-1-949520-19-4
Page Count: 224
Publisher: Granity Studios
Review Posted Online: July 27, 2021
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 2021
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by Annie Matthew ; developed by Kobe Bryant
by Rajani LaRocca ; illustrated by Chloe Dijon ‧ RELEASE DATE: June 15, 2021
A moving tale of baseball, magic, and former rivals who come together to solve a problem.
A middle schooler struggles to adjust after moving to an idyllic Massachusetts town.
Trish Das is at a crossroads. Not only is the 12-year-old unhappy that her family has moved yet again due to her mother’s cardiology career, she also has to try out for a new baseball team. The fact that one of her new teammates is a former archrival further complicates matters. Math prodigy Ben Messina went head-to-head against fellow math whiz Trish at last spring’s Math Puzzlers Championship. When Trish emerged victorious, Ben was stunned. The two get closer when the team’s mysterious pregame snacks start making everyone play better while also causing magical side effects during games. Equally surprising are the cryptic puzzle booklets Trish and Ben receive in the mail that lead them to even more wins. But as the puzzles get harder to solve, the risk of failing to do so increases. Alternating between Trish’s and Ben’s perspectives, LaRocca’s novel—a companion to 2019’s Midsummer’s Mayhem—is a Much Ado About Nothing homage that explores parental expectations, complicated friendships, and teamwork. The protagonists’ love of problem-solving shines through, and the puzzles themselves are clearly explained. As a third-generation Indian American, Trish also has moving conversations about the circumstances that led her grandparents to emigrate and how those decisions still impact their lives. Ben is implied White. Final illustrations not seen.
A moving tale of baseball, magic, and former rivals who come together to solve a problem. (Fantasy. 8-12)Pub Date: June 15, 2021
ISBN: 978-1-4998-1101-8
Page Count: 336
Publisher: Yellow Jacket
Review Posted Online: March 30, 2021
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 15, 2021
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by Rajani LaRocca ; illustrated by Neha Rawat
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by Rajani LaRocca & Chris Baron ; illustrated by Sam Dawson
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