Kerka's Book

January 1, 2010
Gr 4-6-Kerka is still recovering from the sudden death of her mother and coming to terms with her new life in New York City with her Aunt Tuula and older sister. Her younger sister remains in Finland with their father. As the eve of her 13th birthday approaches, Kerka has much to learn about her heritage. Human fairy godmothers live among the unknowing, protecting and providing hints of magic where needed, and the women in her family have always held that role. Now, Kerka finds herself embarking on a magical journey where her sister's future is at stake. This second book does an excellent job setting up the fairy world of Aventurine where Kerka meets the fairies, trolls, and other spirit creatures that lead her on her quest. The writing is refreshingly well done and weaves together the author's knowledge of art, folklore, and botany to paint a magical world where readers' senses are piqued by the likes of stone fairies, cave anemones, and a queen named Patchouli. Kerka's growing awareness of her family history and events that happened when her mother and aunt were teens helps her find strength as a young woman coming of age. She relies on her brain as well as her own mystical powers to maneuver through the fairy dream world while finding her true place in the real world that is her home."Cheryl Ashton, Amherst Public Library, OH"

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