Awkwardly and believably, this sensitive novel reveals an artistic teen adapting to family, disability and friendships in...
Originally a novella published in the magazine Cicada and the winner of the SCBWI Magazine Merit Award in Fiction, Kamata’s latest is a sharp, unusual coming-of-age novel.
For Aiko Cassidy, it’s hard enough sitting at the “invisible” table and dealing with trespassing geeks. It’s harder when her cerebral palsy makes guys notice her in all the wrong ways. Even worse, Aiko’s mother, Laina, uses her as a model for her sculptures. For privacy, Aiko conceals herself in manga; her alter ego, Gadget Girl, can rescue cute guys and tie her shoes. Aiko dreams of traveling to Japan to meet her favorite artists—and, perhaps, her father. When a sculpture of Aiko wins her and Laina a trip to Paris instead, Aiko meets handsome Hervé and discovers a startling view of her family. Kamata writes the intricacies of cerebral palsy—the little maneuvers of cooking, the jerk of an arm betraying emotion—as deftly as Aiko draws or Laina sculpts. Aiko’s awkwardness is palpable, as are her giddy crush and snarky observations. Some points remain realistically unresolved, in keeping with the garden metaphors throughout the book: “You’re not supposed to be able to see the whole thing at once. Most Japanese gardens are revealed little by little....”
Awkwardly and believably, this sensitive novel reveals an artistic teen adapting to family, disability and friendships in all their flawed beauty. (Fiction. 13-17)Pub Date: May 29, 2013
ISBN: 978-1-936846-38-2
Page Count: 228
Publisher: Gemma
Review Posted Online: March 26, 2013
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 15, 2013
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
A beautiful, gently woven reflection on family, choices, and the power of perception.
Chelsea Marchand does not care about politics, law, or Oxford University.
This is an unfortunate circumstance, given that her father, Dr. Peter Marchand, is running for prime minister of Trinidad and Tobago and would like her to study law in England. Chelsea wants to pursue her dreams at the Writers’ Corner at Georgetown University, not shuffle along her father’s campaign trail. A chance meeting while waiting for test-prep classes at the Clark Centre introduces Chelsea to Kyron Grant, a handsome student footballer. Kyron understands living with a difficult father. Although his father is not physically present, Grafton Walters’ influence fills every space in his home. The two cultivate a friendship, on the edge of something more, when the sudden, gruesome murder of one of Walters’ employees uncovers family secrets for both Kyron and Chelsea. The future of their relationship unclear, Kyron and Chelsea search for an escape from the sins of their fathers. Gibson’s debut effortlessly captivates. The characters saunter in and out of focus like a well-choreographed dance, Chelsea and Kyron alternating narration in vivid, distinctive voices. None take up more time than necessary, and all shine in their moments. Scenes between Kyron and his father are especially compelling. The island dialect gives the story a tangible dimension; the smell of sea breeze is almost palpable.
A beautiful, gently woven reflection on family, choices, and the power of perception. (Fiction. 13-17)Pub Date: Sept. 15, 2017
ISBN: 978-976-8267-06-1
Page Count: 190
Publisher: Blouse & Skirt Books
Review Posted Online: Aug. 6, 2017
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 2017
BOOK REVIEW
Flowing text and outstanding images work together to teach a vital Christian message.
A picture book about a child who looks upward, higher and higher, to take in God’s creations.
A boy sits in his crib, looking up at a mobile. He then begins to see the many things that God has created, starting with his loving parents. Looking higher, he sees a variety of vibrant trees—oak, maple, and evergreen—and then several birds, including sparrows, robins, and hummingbirds. The child’s eyes then take to the heavens, discovering clouds, storms, and the sun, moon, and stars. Finally, the child is taught that God made him, as well: “That is why I know that God loves me!” The book ends with Psalm 139:13-14, which reads, in part, “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” Debut author Keller makes sure that the discoveries’ progression flows naturally, and he specifies different types of trees and birds in a way that’s both captivating and educational. The repeating Christian message of “God made…” drives the book’s point home but, surprisingly, never comes off as preachy. Also, it effectively affirms the child’s (and reader’s) worth as icing on the cake. Debut illustrator Brandes’ brilliant drawings and vivid, illustrated borders do justice to the beauty of what they portray.
Flowing text and outstanding images work together to teach a vital Christian message.Pub Date: July 27, 2017
ISBN: 978-1-4787-4980-6
Page Count: 17
Publisher: Outskirts Press
Review Posted Online: Oct. 25, 2017
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
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