Review

* "...This character-driven novel does a remarkable job of allowing readers to see the world through Kobi’s eyes, both as a five-year-old believing in her parents’ magical abilities and as a 10-year-old surrounded by adults who are coping with their own heartbreaks and traumas. Secondary characters are portrayed equally deftly, and even minor characters come across as living, breathing individuals.... This well-honed middle grade title packs a considerable emotional punch and could be just the ticket for a tween dealing with loss. A highly recommended purchase." —School Library Journal, Starred Review

* "Ever since her mother wrote 27 commonplace but seemingly magical words on some Post-its, [Kobi] has used them both to make life go smoothly and, more importantly, to connect her to her missing parents....But is Kobi’s magic real or just her increasingly ragged defense mechanism for fending off the grim reality that her beloved parents, lost at sea, will never be coming back? ... Distinctive, well-drawn characters drive the plot and provide their own magical contributions to Kobi’s widening world. Both tragic and uplifting, this winsome tale perfectly depicts some of the many aspects of magic."—Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review

About the Author

SHARELLE BYARS MORANVILLE is also the author of the middle-grade novel Over the River, which Booklist called "beautifully written" in a "STARRED!" review. She lives in West Des Moines, Iowa.