Ten-year-old Noonie Norton is making her way in a world that does not always understand the brilliant yet undiscovered artist she is. Her mother has died and her archaeologist father has left her with her aunt and uncle, because she would be “better off in a real home with a real family.” Noonie spends her days at school, often in the principal’s office, thinking about herself or the artists in her Masterpieces of Art book. She has her favorites, from Van Gogh to Kahlo to Basquiat, but the artist who has the most influence on her life is her deceased mother. The humorous, sketchbook-style illustrations give readers another window into Noonie’s world. She misses her father desperately, and it’s only an art contest that helps her see who her real family might be. Filled with the self-absorption and longing that is a hallmark of her age, Noonie’s rambling, heartfelt story will appeal to young artists who are, like Noonie, trying to find where they belong in their world…or just their family. (Fiction. 8-12)
Pub Date: April 1, 2010
ISBN: 978-0-8118-6654-5
Page Count: 208
Publisher: Chronicle Books
Review Posted Online: Jan. 13, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 1, 2010
BOOK REVIEW
An intriguing, fast-paced fantasy adventure.
A Korean American tween unlocks hidden magical powers to fulfill her destiny and save her family from a vengeful ancient spirit.
Twelve-year-old Lia Park aspires to one day work at the International Magic Agency, fighting monsters and protecting the world. But Lia’s unsure about her future because, unlike best friend Joon, she hasn’t yet manifested any magical abilities. Before she can take the annual entrance exam for the IMA school, her skills are unexpectedly tested when she discovers her California home ransacked and her parents missing. A message to bring Gaya the missing jewel in exchange for her parents leaves her confused and bewildered: She has no idea who Gaya is or what jewel the kidnapper is talking about. Following clues left by her parents, Lia travels with Joon to Korea to find the jewel that will save her family. While motivated to solve the mystery, Lia also becomes frustrated that her parents’ overprotectiveness kept her from knowing the truth about her powers and the threat Gaya poses. Tense scenes set up the high stakes involved in her quest. This contemporary tale incorporates Korean history, national landmarks, and mythology in an engaging way. Korean words and phrases are also woven throughout the text, reinforcing Lia’s connection to her culture and its integral role in the story.
An intriguing, fast-paced fantasy adventure. (Fantasy. 9-12)Pub Date: May 3, 2022
ISBN: 978-1-5344-8793-2
Page Count: 304
Publisher: Aladdin
Review Posted Online: April 12, 2022
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 1, 2022
BOOK REVIEW
A sweet and satisfying mystery.
When things start to go missing in Urchin Beach, including a precious town symbol, Amelia and her brothers and sisters are determined to find the thief and save an honored tradition.
The Dragonfly Day Festival is a beloved event for Amelia MacGuffin’s family and many others. People come from all over to their small Pacific Northwest town to swing the wooden staff, which has a dragonfly-shaped mark on it, believing that three twirls over their heads will bring good luck into their lives. After the staff is stolen just days before the big celebration, a series of ill-timed misfortunes befalls the area. Family life unfolds against this backdrop. Amelia, who is about to start sixth grade, sits at the awkward and sacred intersection between childhood and young adulthood. She’s responsible, quick-witted, and introspective, a likable main character. Her siblings Bridget and Colin have their own useful and unique personality traits, and Duncan and Emma, the twin toddlers, are adorable tag-alongs. When a lovable dog they name Doc comes into their lives, the kids do everything they can to convince their parents to keep him, a journey that includes surprises. The central whodunit buoys readers along, the answer delightfully being both unpredictable and obvious. Amelia and her family are White; there is ethnic diversity among her friends and other secondary characters. This is a well-imagined, absorbing world, the story original and inviting.
A sweet and satisfying mystery. (Mystery. 8-12)Pub Date: April 4, 2023
ISBN: 9781338818581
Page Count: 256
Publisher: Scholastic Paperbacks
Review Posted Online: Jan. 24, 2023
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 15, 2023
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
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