Extraordinary October

September 5, 2016
Wagman’s engaging modern fairy tale opens in Los Angeles just before October Fetterhoff’s 18th birthday. October is an ordinary teenager until an uncontrollable itch forces her to flee history class. Shortly thereafter, her appearance changes, she grows faster and stronger, and she develops the ability to communicate with animals. October learns that she is a troll-fairy hybrid and that, as the daughter of an exiled troll princess and an exiled fairy prince, she’ll become queen of both Trolldom and the Fairy Canopy when she turns 18. A cruel and powerful woman wants to rule in October’s stead, though, so in addition to attending high school and mastering her newfound abilities, October must survive an attempted coup. In her first book for teens, Wagman (Life #6) uses fully fleshed characters and a rich mythology to argue against xenophobia and illustrate the notion that ordinary packages can hide extraordinary things. While the plot is wild and woolly, the story’s heart and charm are undeniable, and readers can’t help but root for its relatable, down-to-earth heroine. Ages 12–up. Agent: Terra Chalberg, Chalberg & Sussman.

An ordinary girl, an unquenchable itch, a bizarre, spontaneously appearing flower-shaped ankle tattoo--and suddenly, four days before October Fetterhoff's 18th birthday, she begins to change. The seemingly ordinary white teen is becoming stronger and more agile, can even see in the dark and understand animals and birds. These emerging powers come in handy since somebody is after her and she doesn't know who or why in this well-crafted and gripping quest tale that involves adversarial trolls and fairies and a mysterious evil that threatens to take over two kingdoms, with October in the middle. Told in the first person with understated humor, what begins as a realistic story quickly shifts. October's affectionate, jokester father, an obese recovering alcoholic, hires a hypnotist to help him lose weight and becomes zombielike; blond, white Walker, one of two incredibly handsome new boys at school who now pursue her, helps October "transplant" through walls when she is attacked by crows and chased by slobbers (troll pets); her Latina friend goes missing, as does her mom, a mycologist. In an auspicious debut for teens, adult author Wagman (Life #6, 2015, etc.) proves particularly adept at mixing genres and maintains a terrific balance between fantastical (and occasional macabre) happenings and genuine teen perceptions. Offbeat while also incorporating themes of tolerance, October's tale will have readers rooting for her every step of the way. (Fantasy. 12 & up) COPYRIGHT(1) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

October 1, 2016

Gr 7 Up-October is a girl of peculiar troubles. Having always known that she doesn't quite fit in, she's come to terms with an outsider's existence. Her upbringing left her an outcast, with her parents unable to coexist with the world, until she finds out why. As October senses cracks in the reality around her, recognizing strange new sensations and abilities blossoming within herself, she begins to unravel the mystery of who or what she is. This quirky novel is brilliantly rendered, the airy prose infusing it with a feeling of whimsy as the likable character tumbles deeper down the rabbit hole. While there are fantastical elements to the plot, most readers will enjoy the cultivation of scene and surroundings, of competing love interests, changing personalities, and sparkling dialogue. Close in stripe to Neil Gaiman's Neverwhere and Ransom Riggs's Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children, this novel will appeal to fans of magical realism and escapist storytelling. VERDICT Recommended for most YA collections.-Brian Hoff, Elmwood Park High School, IL

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