An adventurous dragon tale that delivers an emotionally satisfying ending.
Where be dragons?
The Dragonfell is the high place where young Rafi Bywater goes to contemplate the memory of the teacup-hoarding dragon that once protected his village. One day two strangers show up accusing Rafi of having evil power from dragons and demanding to take him from the village. It is when Rafi is threatened by these strangers that previously unknown abilities ignite, literally, with a fire power that can hurt others. His father confirms that he is indeed dragon-touched. Then, as sudden flames consume the house of a village elder, she tells him that he must go find the dragon so it can once again protect the village. Accused of the destruction, Rafi is chased out of the village and goes on a quest in search of the dragon. Along the way, he saves Maud, a young scientist who had been offered as a sacrifice for another community’s local aging dragon. Maud accompanies Rafi to the city of Skarth, where answers lie and may prove, once and for all, if dragons are truly evil or protectors. What starts as a redundant trope of the kid who has powers linked to dragons is freshened by an unexpected twist that deepens the bond of friendship between Rafi and Maud. Rafi, who narrates in an assured past tense, is assumed white with red hair, and Maud has brown skin, black hair, and freckles.
An adventurous dragon tale that delivers an emotionally satisfying ending. (Fantasy. 8-12)Pub Date: March 26, 2019
ISBN: 978-0-06-266555-3
Page Count: 272
Publisher: Harper/HarperCollins
Review Posted Online: Jan. 14, 2019
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 2019
An action-packed roller coaster of a tale with tongue-in-cheek humor; this is a delight.
Three young science fair contestants encounter a mysterious scientist and his world-changing plans.
Since her mother drowned when she was 3, it’s just been Theresa and her dad. The Charleston, South Carolina, 12-year-old is thrilled when the amazing solar-powered mechanical spider she built wins her first place at the middle school science fair, beating superachiever Ashley’s edible algae and goofy Jon’s bubble maker, which come in second and third, respectively. The three kids are awarded summer internships by reclusive Dr. Neil Flax, who is moving beyond his moneymaking Bionic Baby Bottom Buffer to tackle climate change. Theresa, Ashley, and Jon will be hanging out in the old, abandoned shopping mall in town where Flax Industries’ laboratory is located. But Theresa has a mysterious late-night encounter with a boy calling himself Thomas Edison who claims that Flax is building something that will destroy the world—and he needs her help to stop him. Theresa doesn’t know whom to trust or what to believe as she and her classmates enter Dr. Flax’s bizarre and dangerous world of robots and have the adventure of a lifetime. This fast-paced, well-plotted story features young people who learn to utilize each other’s strengths to get to the bottom of things. Characters are minimally described and racially ambiguous.
An action-packed roller coaster of a tale with tongue-in-cheek humor; this is a delight. (Mystery. 8-12)Pub Date: March 21, 2023
ISBN: 978-1-250-16580-0
Page Count: 272
Publisher: Godwin Books
Review Posted Online: Jan. 11, 2023
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 2023
BOOK REVIEW
A deeply satisfying, page-turning, genre-defying read.
A restless, adventure-seeking tween finds herself in a special library.
Eleven-year-old Delilah “Dally” Peteharrington is struggling with the death of her grandfather and the loss of the love, acceptance, and excitement he brought to her life. Her mother grieves by becoming more rigid, insisting on lessons to prepare Dally to take over the family business. After her mother refuses to allow her to join an after-school club, Dally steals an envelope Grandpa left her, which her mom has insisted on locking away until she’s come of age. Inside, she finds a mysterious map that leads her to a library full of books that are portals to the past. From them, Dally learns things her mother refuses to talk about and has adventures she never could have imagined, including going on a pirate ship. Dally is biracial; her mom is white, but Dally knows little about her deceased Black father, and the more she learns about both sides of her family, the more intrigued she becomes. It becomes clear that her destiny is greater than simply assuming the place her mother is preparing her for. Multiple award-winner Magoon has crafted an engrossing story that skillfully combines a coming-of-age story with fantasy and historical fiction. Dally is an irresistible protagonist, full of curiosity and longing for the joy she experienced with her grandfather. The lively, well-written narrative contains many surprises, pulling readers into Dally’s life and the incredible choices she must make.
A deeply satisfying, page-turning, genre-defying read. (Time-travel fantasy. 8-12)Pub Date: May 7, 2024
ISBN: 9781536230888
Page Count: 384
Publisher: Candlewick
Review Posted Online: Feb. 17, 2024
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 15, 2024
PERSPECTIVES
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