I used to like middle-grade novels a lot (as both a kid and an adult), but I hadn't read any in quite a while. Recently I decided to do a little market research by reading some, and the first one I picked up was this one, which sounded like it had some elements similar to a novel I'm shopping around to agents.
I'm so glad I picked it up.
The cover is absolutely beautiful, but the story is even better.
The writing is good. The premise is interesting but sad--and twistedly relevant. I love the setting, a fun and creative mix of recent past and other world. The main characters aren't ridiculously good at everything (a pet peeve of mine). Nor are they assassins or thieves (character types that appear too often in YA for my taste.) They're not massively talented. They're not the chosen one. Yet they work and struggle and grow and accomplish great things.
The themes of prejudice, segregation, and social inequality are important, yet it doesn't feel preachy. The ending is satisfying. And my favorite part [WARNING--SEMI SPOILER] is that they fight for social change without violence. It's awesome! We need more books like this. [END SPOILER]
Now I want to read Sparkers and anything else Eleanor Glewwe writes.
I highly recommend it for kids and adults alike.
Keep tuned for an interview here with the author!
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