The Wonder of Wildflowers

December 1, 2019
A young girl who wants nothing more than to fit in with her classmates learns to stand out instead. Wlodzimira--Mira for short--is the "least-athletic girl" and shortest person in her fifth grade class. She's also the only one who breaks a sweat when doing physical activity, and it's because everyone else in her class takes Amber: a magical substance that essentially makes people stronger, healthier, and smarter. Only citizens of Amberland have access to Amber rations, and the government is strict regarding whom they let cross their borders. Just when narrator Mira and her family finally become citizens, news of Amber's dwindling supply weaves panic into the community, causing protests and hate crimes. Staniszewski writes a fluid first-person narrative, providing valuable insight on Mira's thoughts and feelings regarding how she's seen as an outsider by her classmates and hopes for a better life in Amberland. While the worldbuilding feels thin at times, the magical aspects of the story are well balanced with the realistic issues tackled such as bullying and immigration laws. Naming conventions cue ethnicity in this analog America, which seems to be as diverse as the real one; Mira and her family are presumed Polish. A light fantasy with a powerful message of hope. (author's note) (Fantasy. 8-12)

COPYRIGHT(2019) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

January 1, 2020

Gr 4-6-Staniszewki's latest tween novel combines magical realism with current events in a gentle yet empowering story. Mila and her family have moved to Amberland, a country named after its magical natural resource, amber. As non-natives, they are not permitted to use this powerful liquid that fends off illnesses and enhances abilities. Navigating the fifth grade is hard enough but being an outsider makes everything worse. When a sudden nationwide amber shortage threatens the community, Mila's family and other immigrants face harassment and even violence. Mila is relying on her citizenship paperwork to come through, but will that be enough to be accepted in her class as an equal? The story rings true in how it approaches the "us vs them" mentality of extreme nationalism. Although some allegories are pretty on-the-nose, Mila navigates desperately wanting to be "normal" like a 10 year old would. In a nation currently divided by different messages regarding immigration, Staniszewski (an immigrant herself) does a great job at portraying a vulnerable character who finds her strength and eventually faces her tormentors. Readers will feel proud of Mila for speaking up and standing up for what's right. VERDICT Useful for schools and classrooms where social justice is widely discussed. A strong purchase for upper elementary and middle school collections.-Carol Youssif, Taipei American School, Taiwan

Copyright 2020 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

December 1, 2019
Grades 3-6 Mira's family has lived in Amberland for five years, waiting to become citizens and gain access to Amber, a magical liquid that makes normal people extraordinary and prevents illness. While Mira wants only to be like everybody else, her classmate Daniel doesn't even try to fit in. When she discovers how sick his little brother is, she realizes that Amber should be saved for those who truly need it. Meanwhile, the precious substance begins to grow scarce, leading to public protests, with citizens demanding that immigrants return to their countries and stop using up the local supply. Mira's story, told through intimate first-person narration, flows easily. Young readers will enjoy watching her self-realization bloom?like a lovely wildflower?as she comes to learn who she is without Amber and realizes that she never needed it at all. The futuristic setting presents a cautionary element through strong parallels to our own reality. A strong middle-grade novel recommended for all libraries.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2019, American Library Association.)