A fast-paced story that balances a dash of magic with serious science.
The feathers of the mycteria lumen, or glow stork, pulse with a light that not everyone can see—and it’s up to those who can to save this species that’s believed to be extinct.
Polish American Frano is a dreamy kid with a father who’s been laid off and is battling depression. His family recently moved to Ruby Beach, on Florida’s east coast. Red-haired Cordelia, who presents white, is all about facts—although the statistics about how many marriages end in divorce were little comfort when her mom moved away to New York. Though they’re dissimilar in some ways, the two Marshwood Middle students have both seen a large white bird with “an eerie glow.” She’s injured and in distress, and the kids are committed to protecting the three chicks in her nest in the marsh before the impending Category Five hurricane arrives. Frano and Cordelia are themselves much like the vulnerable baby birds, with parents who can’t be there for them. What brings them together is mostly Frano’s one-sided quest to make friends with the prickly Cordelia, who reminds him of the “fierce and determined” bird. Although the leads’ internal growth doesn’t feel entirely organic, the approaching hurricane and communication mishaps work to create a level of urgency that moves the story along at a steady clip. The third-person omniscient narration alternates between Frano’s and Cordelia’s perspectives.
A fast-paced story that balances a dash of magic with serious science. (Fabulism. 8-12)Pub Date: today
ISBN: 9781958325537
Page Count: 240
Publisher: Marble Press
Review Posted Online: May 4, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 1, 2026
Hugely entertaining, timely, and triumphant.
Robot Roz undertakes an unusual ocean journey to save her adopted island home in this third series entry.
When a poison tide flowing across the ocean threatens their island, Roz works with the resident creatures to ensure that they will have clean water, but the destruction of vegetation and crowding of habitats jeopardize everyone’s survival. Brown’s tale of environmental depredation and turmoil is by turns poignant, graceful, endearing, and inspiring, with his (mostly) gentle robot protagonist at its heart. Though Roz is different from the creatures she lives with or encounters—including her son, Brightbill the goose, and his new mate, Glimmerwing—she makes connections through her versatile communication abilities and her desire to understand and help others. When Roz accidentally discovers that the replacement body given to her by Dr. Molovo is waterproof, she sets out to seek help and discovers the human-engineered source of the toxic tide. Brown’s rich descriptions of undersea landscapes, entertaining conversations between Roz and wild creatures, and concise yet powerful explanations of the effect of the poison tide on the ecology of the island are superb. Simple, spare illustrations offer just enough glimpses of Roz and her surroundings to spark the imagination. The climactic confrontation pits oceangoing mammals, seabirds, fish, and even zooplankton against hardware and technology in a nicely choreographed battle. But it is Roz’s heroism and peacemaking that save the day.
Hugely entertaining, timely, and triumphant. (author’s note) (Fiction. 8-12)Pub Date: Sept. 26, 2023
ISBN: 9780316669412
Page Count: 288
Publisher: Little, Brown
Review Posted Online: Aug. 26, 2023
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 15, 2023
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
Utterly believable, this bittersweet story, complete with an author’s note identifying the real Ivan, will inspire a new...
How Ivan confronts his harrowing past yet stays true to his nature exemplifies everything youngsters need to know about courage.
Living in a "domain" of glass, metal and cement at the Big Top Mall, Ivan sometimes forgets whether to act like a gorilla or a human—except Ivan does not think much of humans. He describes their behavior as frantic, whereas he is a peaceful artist. Fittingly, Ivan narrates his tale in short, image-rich sentences and acute, sometimes humorous, observations that are all the more heartbreaking for their simple delivery. His sorrow is palpable, but he stoically endures the cruelty of humans until Ruby the baby elephant is abused. In a pivotal scene, Ivan finally admits his domain is a cage, and rather than let Ruby live and die in grim circumstances, he promises to save her. In order to express his plea in a painting, Ivan must bravely face buried memories of the lush jungle, his family and their brutal murder, which is recounted in a brief, powerful chapter sure to arouse readers’ passions. In a compelling ending, the more challenging question Applegate poses is whether or not Ivan will remember what it was like to be a gorilla. Spot art captures poignant moments throughout.
Utterly believable, this bittersweet story, complete with an author’s note identifying the real Ivan, will inspire a new generation of advocates. (author’s note) (Fiction. 8-12)Pub Date: Jan. 17, 2012
ISBN: 978-0-06-199225-4
Page Count: 320
Publisher: Harper/HarperCollins
Review Posted Online: Sept. 27, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 15, 2011
BOOK TO SCREEN
BOOK TO SCREEN
BOOK TO SCREEN
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