A sublime cast headlines this leisurely but engrossing supernatural tale.
In this third installment of a middle-grade series, two cousins want to protect the balance between their magical realm and the ordinary world.
Young Wil Wychwood and his cousin Sophie Isidor are starting their second year at an academy for magic. The tweens are used to witnessing amazing abilities in their “magical city” of MiddleGate and have even confronted a formidable villain. But lately, they’re seeing fish everywhere, from stone fish to a smelly book about fish that Peeping Peerslie, the library’s resident ghost, saved for Wil over the summer. This takes on a deeper meaning when a strange woman calling herself Catfysh appears before the cousins with a cryptic warning—the Serpent’s Chain somehow threatens the magical and nonmagical worlds alike. That’s an ancient secret society that Wil knows all too well, as the group, for whatever reason, craves the black medallion his grandmother left him. Wil and Sophie want to help even if they aren’t sure what exactly Catfysh wishes them to do. Solving a riddle may lead them to the subaqueous “Fyshly Realm,” where they hope to find answers. Bridgman’s measured tale puts vibrant and relatable characters in a supernatural city. For example, Wil’s Aunt Violet excitedly works toward opening her fortunetelling store, and conversation at a friends’ home that the cousins visit revolves around magic and what time dinner starts. These interactions take precedence over a discernible baddie and the young heroes’ feelings of urgency. Fish-related elements, meanwhile, are deliberately murky along with largely mysterious carry-overs from earlier books, including the Serpent’s Chain, the black medallion, and Wil’s inherited gold ring. While clarification is minimal, the final act spins off into Wil and Sophie’s otherworldly experience with the Fysh. Throughout the novel, Bridgman describes aquatic creatures in beautiful detail, from multihued bodies and spiny fins to a bevy of “whiskers” (barbels). This engaging volume ends with an unmistakable setup for the next installment.
A sublime cast headlines this leisurely but engrossing supernatural tale.Pub Date: July 5, 2021
ISBN: 9781525585814
Page Count: 228
Publisher: FriesenPress
Review Posted Online: Nov. 24, 2022
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
Trisha is ready to start at a new school, where no one will know she has dyslexia. At first, she is heartbroken to be in Miss Peterson’s special-ed class, aka, “the junkyard.” But Miss Peterson treats the children as anything but junk, showing them that everyone has a unique talent. Polacco’s trademark style is fully present here; her sensitively drawn alter ego shines with depth of feeling. When bullying occurs, Miss Peterson proves her students are worthwhile by planning a junkyard field trip, where they find valuable objects to be used in exciting ways. Trisha’s group repairs a plane, and the class buys an engine for it. Then a beloved class member dies, and the children must find a way to honor him. While the plot meanders somewhat, the characters are appealing, believable and provide a fine portrayal of a truly special class. Children will be drawn in by the story’s warmth and gentle humor and will leave with a spark of inspiration, an appreciation of individual differences and a firm anti-bullying message, all underscored by the author’s note that concludes the book. (Picture book. 7-10)
Pub Date: July 1, 2010
ISBN: 978-0-399-25078-1
Page Count: 48
Publisher: Philomel
Review Posted Online: May 31, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 15, 2010
An effort as insubstantial as any spirit.
Eleven-year-old Maria Russo helps her charlatan mother hoodwink customers, but Maria has a spirited secret.
Maria’s mother, the psychic Madame Destine, cons widows out of their valuables with the assistance of their apartment building’s super, Mr. Fox. Madame Destine home-schools Maria, and because Destine is afraid of unwanted attention, she forbids Maria from talking to others. Maria is allowed to go to the library, where new librarian Ms. Madigan takes an interest in Maria that may cause her trouble. Meanwhile, Sebastian, Maria’s new upstairs neighbor, would like to be friends. All this interaction makes it hard for Maria to keep her secret: that she is visited by Edward, a spirit who tells her the actual secrets of Madame Destine’s clients via spirit writing. When Edward urges Maria to help Mrs. Fisher, Madame Destine’s most recent mark, Maria must overcome her shyness and her fear of her mother—helping Mrs. Fisher may be the key to the mysterious past Maria uncovers and a brighter future. Alas, picture-book–creator Ford’s middle-grade debut is a muddled, melodramatic mystery with something of an everything-but-the-kitchen-sink feel: In addition to the premise, there’s a tragically dead father, a mysterious family tree, and the Beat poets. Sluggish pacing; stilted, unrealistic dialogue; cartoonishly stock characters; and unattractive, flat illustrations make this one to miss. Maria and Sebastian are both depicted with brown skin, hers lighter than his; the other principals appear to be white.
An effort as insubstantial as any spirit. (author’s note) (Paranormal mystery. 7-10)Pub Date: July 21, 2020
ISBN: 978-1-250-20567-4
Page Count: 320
Publisher: Christy Ottaviano/Henry Holt
Review Posted Online: March 28, 2020
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 15, 2020
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