What do you think?
Rate this book
Legends of Lotus Island #1
The Guardian Test
From two-time Newbery honor recipient Christina Soontornvat comes a compelling new young middle grade fantasy series for listeners who love stories about animals, magic, and kids like them embracing their power to change the world.
Young Plum is shocked to discover that she's been accepted to the Guardian Academy on Lotus Island, an elite school where kids learn how to transform into Guardians, magical creatures who are sworn to protect the natural world. The Guardian masters teach Plum and her friends how to communicate with animals and how to use meditation to strengthen their minds and bodies. All the kids also learn to fight, so they can protect the defenseless if needed.
To her dismay, Plum struggles at school. While her classmates begin to transform into amazing creatures, Plum can't even seem to magic up a single feather! If she can't embrace her inner animal form soon, she'll have to leave school ― and lose the first group of real friends she's ever known.
Young Plum is shocked to discover that she's been accepted to the Guardian Academy on Lotus Island, an elite school where kids learn how to transform into Guardians, magical creatures who are sworn to protect the natural world. The Guardian masters teach Plum and her friends how to communicate with animals and how to use meditation to strengthen their minds and bodies. All the kids also learn to fight, so they can protect the defenseless if needed.
To her dismay, Plum struggles at school. While her classmates begin to transform into amazing creatures, Plum can't even seem to magic up a single feather! If she can't embrace her inner animal form soon, she'll have to leave school ― and lose the first group of real friends she's ever known.
Audible Audio
First published March 7, 2023
117 people are currently reading
3156 people want to read
About the author
Christina Soontornvat
40 books745 followersChristina Soontornvat grew up behind the counter of her parents’ Thai restaurant in a small Texas town with her nose stuck in a book. She is very proud of both her Thai and her Texan roots, and makes regular trips to both Weatherford and Bangkok to see her beloved family members (and eat lots and lots of Thai food!). Christina is the author of the fantasy middle grade series, The Changelings, and the early chapter book series, Diary of an Ice Princess. Her forthcoming books include the middle grade fantasy, A Wish in the Dark, and All Thirteen, a nonfiction account of the Thai Cave Rescue.
In addition to being an author, Christina holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering and a master’s degree in Science Education. She spent a decade working in the science museum field, where she designed programs and exhibits to get kids excited about science. She is passionate about STEM (science, technology engineering, and math), and loves learning new things. She lives in Austin, Texas with her husband, two young children, and one old cat.
In addition to being an author, Christina holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering and a master’s degree in Science Education. She spent a decade working in the science museum field, where she designed programs and exhibits to get kids excited about science. She is passionate about STEM (science, technology engineering, and math), and loves learning new things. She lives in Austin, Texas with her husband, two young children, and one old cat.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 262 reviews
November 2, 2025
I understand why so many people love and enjoy Christina Soontornvat! The writing, the world building, the character development are all fun. While I did mark this as a middle grade read, it's perfect for a younger middle grade audience (ages 8-9).
The Guardian Test is the first book in Soontornvat's newest fantasy series that features a young girl by the name of Plum who get's accepted into the Guardian Academy on Lotus Island after her grandfather applies on her behalf. Plum and her friends go through an extensive training process to learn how to transform into their respective Guardian aka magical creatures who are meant to protect the natural world. While there, Plum faces various types of ups and downs while engaging in some mind blowing training activities.
What Worked: Like many reviewers have stated before me, it's nice to see a middle grade fantasy series that's gauged at the younger end of the spectrum. A lot of middle grade fantasy books are tomes and can be intimidating for younger readers who are just transitioning out of chapter books. This has all of the elements of a typical fantasy series, but with Soontornvat's writing younger readers are sure to be immersed in Plum's experience training at the academy. As an adult reader, I really appreciated the insight to class differences. While Soontornvat doesn't dive deep into the issues associated with classism, Plum does end up learning that wealth is not the equivalent to a perfect life. As guardians to protecting the natural world, there is a little bit of conflict related to land ownership which I'm interested in seeing in future installments. The magical elements, the training, and the conversations about patience and trusting the process made for a fun and engaging book. I'm honestly anticipating the release of the next book this fall.
The Guardian Test is the first book in Soontornvat's newest fantasy series that features a young girl by the name of Plum who get's accepted into the Guardian Academy on Lotus Island after her grandfather applies on her behalf. Plum and her friends go through an extensive training process to learn how to transform into their respective Guardian aka magical creatures who are meant to protect the natural world. While there, Plum faces various types of ups and downs while engaging in some mind blowing training activities.
What Worked: Like many reviewers have stated before me, it's nice to see a middle grade fantasy series that's gauged at the younger end of the spectrum. A lot of middle grade fantasy books are tomes and can be intimidating for younger readers who are just transitioning out of chapter books. This has all of the elements of a typical fantasy series, but with Soontornvat's writing younger readers are sure to be immersed in Plum's experience training at the academy. As an adult reader, I really appreciated the insight to class differences. While Soontornvat doesn't dive deep into the issues associated with classism, Plum does end up learning that wealth is not the equivalent to a perfect life. As guardians to protecting the natural world, there is a little bit of conflict related to land ownership which I'm interested in seeing in future installments. The magical elements, the training, and the conversations about patience and trusting the process made for a fun and engaging book. I'm honestly anticipating the release of the next book this fall.
January 23, 2023
THIS is how you write a fantasy series for younger middle grade readers! As a former 3rd grade teacher and current elementary librarian, I know how hard it can be to find well-written, exciting fantasy stories that include compelling characters, imaginative world-building, and intriguing plots, AND fit that into a slim book that isn't too intimidating to be read independently!
Christina Soontornvat has proven that she can write anything for kids, but her fantasy stories are my favorites. This new series promises to offer thrilling stories for MG readers that may not be long, but never skimp on style and heart. I loved Lotus Island and the imaginative wildlife Christina has created. Plum is a compelling main character, and I look forward to getting know her new friends better too! I loved the message that being yourself often just means BEING. Many readers will identify with Plum's desire to succeed, her struggle to empty her mind, and her big heart. I can't wait to share this first book with students, and look forward to more adventures with Plum!
Christina Soontornvat has proven that she can write anything for kids, but her fantasy stories are my favorites. This new series promises to offer thrilling stories for MG readers that may not be long, but never skimp on style and heart. I loved Lotus Island and the imaginative wildlife Christina has created. Plum is a compelling main character, and I look forward to getting know her new friends better too! I loved the message that being yourself often just means BEING. Many readers will identify with Plum's desire to succeed, her struggle to empty her mind, and her big heart. I can't wait to share this first book with students, and look forward to more adventures with Plum!
February 2, 2025
A fantasy series for not quite tweens and tweens. If you are looking for a fantasy story that's not too long, this story about Plum who finds herself invited to Guardian Academy is perfect. She and her new friends attend classes to find out what they are; heart, hands or breath. Which will Plum be? Or is there something else in store for her future? What secrets do her other classmates have, especially Sam the rich kid and Rella who's been skipping classes?
Simply because of the length of these stories, this is a series I plan to keep reading.
Simply because of the length of these stories, this is a series I plan to keep reading.
May 27, 2025
Auf das Buch war ich schon sehr gespannt, weil ich mich sofort in das schöne Cover verliebt habe und ich mich auf eine spannende Tierwandler-Geschichte mit meinem Kind gefreut habe. Aber es hat doch bei uns beiden ein klein wenig gedauert, bis wir richtig in die Geschichte hineingefunden haben. Zum einen war der Einstieg sehr ähnlich wie zu anderen Stories – eine ungeahnte Herkunft, fernes Internat, Kinder mit besonderen Fähigkeiten, ein großer Test. Das alles kennt man eben schon von vielen anderen Büchern mit ähnlicher Thematik. Auch die Figuren wirkten anfangs noch etwas farblos oder auch die Handlung war eher träge und musste sich erst entwickeln.
Doch zum Glück ändert sich das nach dem ersten Drittel. Denn je weiter wir gelesen haben, desto mehr haben sich die Charaktere entwickelt, haben an Tiefe und Schichten hinzugewonnen und spätestens ab der Mitte waren wir emotional voll dabei. Besonders die Hauptfigur Berry konnte mit ihrer Entwicklung punkten, aber auch Sam und die beiden anderen Freundinnen an der Schule haben richtig Freude gemacht. Man fiebert, lacht mit ihnen und wächst mit ihren Herausforderungen.
Das Setting auf der geheimnisvollen Insel war atmosphärisch und schön beschrieben, man fühlt sich wie mittendrin. Besonders gut gefallen hat mir die Magie rund um das Wandeln in Tierwesen, das fantasievoll und interesssant umgesetzt wurde.
Das Ende war rund und gleichzeitig ganz vielversprechend. Es bleibt noch genug offen, um Lust auf den nächsten Band zu machen, ohne einen unbefriedigt zurückzulassen.
Daher ein starker Auftakt mit etwas Anlaufzeit, der sich zu einer magischen, liebevoll erzählten Geschichte mit sympathischen Figuren und tollen Ideen entwickelt. Also mir hat es gefallen, meiner Tochter hat es gefallen. Somit gibt es von uns solide 4 Punkte und wir freuen uns auf Band 2!
Doch zum Glück ändert sich das nach dem ersten Drittel. Denn je weiter wir gelesen haben, desto mehr haben sich die Charaktere entwickelt, haben an Tiefe und Schichten hinzugewonnen und spätestens ab der Mitte waren wir emotional voll dabei. Besonders die Hauptfigur Berry konnte mit ihrer Entwicklung punkten, aber auch Sam und die beiden anderen Freundinnen an der Schule haben richtig Freude gemacht. Man fiebert, lacht mit ihnen und wächst mit ihren Herausforderungen.
Das Setting auf der geheimnisvollen Insel war atmosphärisch und schön beschrieben, man fühlt sich wie mittendrin. Besonders gut gefallen hat mir die Magie rund um das Wandeln in Tierwesen, das fantasievoll und interesssant umgesetzt wurde.
Das Ende war rund und gleichzeitig ganz vielversprechend. Es bleibt noch genug offen, um Lust auf den nächsten Band zu machen, ohne einen unbefriedigt zurückzulassen.
Daher ein starker Auftakt mit etwas Anlaufzeit, der sich zu einer magischen, liebevoll erzählten Geschichte mit sympathischen Figuren und tollen Ideen entwickelt. Also mir hat es gefallen, meiner Tochter hat es gefallen. Somit gibt es von uns solide 4 Punkte und wir freuen uns auf Band 2!
January 10, 2023
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
Plum lives with her grandparents after the death of her parents at sea, but it is an isolated life on their farm even though Plum has a special affinty for the plants and animals. When her grandfather applies to the Guardian Academy on her behalf, she is surprised to be accepted. She doesn't feel that she has magic, although her grandparents do. It's not an easy transition to leave home and go to school on Lotus Island. The children attending from Nakhon Island are wealthier and some, especially Hetty and Rella, make sun of Plum for having worked on a farm. At least Cherry is very friendly and supportive, and Sam, the wealthiest of the students whose mother Lady Ubon has provided him with his own private dorm, helps her when she needs it most. There is a lot of training involved so that the students can determine if they are going to be Heart, Hand, or Breath Guardians. Master Sunback, the head of the school, has been able to predict what kind of guardian each child would be, but hasn't been able to draw a conclusion in Plum's case. Plum also struggles because she doesn't seem able to do the transformation into animals that her peers seem to manage. There are some darker undercurrents: Lady Ubon wants Master Sunback to sell Lotus Island to her, and there is talk that magic is dying out. Rella struggles with transformation, and uses a dangerous and unapproved method. The children have visited some of the ruins nearby, even though they are later told they are dangerous, and I feel like the next books in the series might uncover some information about the island that leads to problems. Will Plum manage to pass her test and be able to continue her training on Lotus Island and become a Guardian?
Strengths: Remember Rodda's 2000 Deltora Quest? Mix that with Black and Clare's Magisterium type training, set it on an island, and you've got Plum's world. Soontornvat's note about why she wrote a fantasy series for younger readers was perfect; it is hard to find a fantasy series that isn't super long and hard to read. The bright, action packed cover will make readers pick this up (although I thought for a moment that it was a graphic novel like Liu's Wingbearer), and the mean girl drama and Plum's struggles will invest readers in Plum's fight. Another smart idea was to build the world of the school and set up the conflict without getting too far into the fight that Plum will no doubt be involved in, and just have readers get used to Plum, the Academy, and how the magic works. Now, if the series is five books long or shorter, it will be perfect! Book two, Into the Shadow Mist, comes out in July, 2023.
Weaknesses: I wished that the book hadn't started with Plum conversing with worms, but then I remembered that when my daughter was in about third grade, she had pet worms, so the target demographic for this book might enjoy that bit!
What I really think: The pacing, explanations of magic, and interpersonal drama are perfectly developed for younger elementary students, and would be a much better choice for second and third graders than Harry Potter, no matter how "accelerated" they are. I'm debating this one for middle school. I've wanted a shorter fantasy series, but I don't think that seventh and eighth graders would pick this up. I would definitely purchase this for an elementary library.
Plum lives with her grandparents after the death of her parents at sea, but it is an isolated life on their farm even though Plum has a special affinty for the plants and animals. When her grandfather applies to the Guardian Academy on her behalf, she is surprised to be accepted. She doesn't feel that she has magic, although her grandparents do. It's not an easy transition to leave home and go to school on Lotus Island. The children attending from Nakhon Island are wealthier and some, especially Hetty and Rella, make sun of Plum for having worked on a farm. At least Cherry is very friendly and supportive, and Sam, the wealthiest of the students whose mother Lady Ubon has provided him with his own private dorm, helps her when she needs it most. There is a lot of training involved so that the students can determine if they are going to be Heart, Hand, or Breath Guardians. Master Sunback, the head of the school, has been able to predict what kind of guardian each child would be, but hasn't been able to draw a conclusion in Plum's case. Plum also struggles because she doesn't seem able to do the transformation into animals that her peers seem to manage. There are some darker undercurrents: Lady Ubon wants Master Sunback to sell Lotus Island to her, and there is talk that magic is dying out. Rella struggles with transformation, and uses a dangerous and unapproved method. The children have visited some of the ruins nearby, even though they are later told they are dangerous, and I feel like the next books in the series might uncover some information about the island that leads to problems. Will Plum manage to pass her test and be able to continue her training on Lotus Island and become a Guardian?
Strengths: Remember Rodda's 2000 Deltora Quest? Mix that with Black and Clare's Magisterium type training, set it on an island, and you've got Plum's world. Soontornvat's note about why she wrote a fantasy series for younger readers was perfect; it is hard to find a fantasy series that isn't super long and hard to read. The bright, action packed cover will make readers pick this up (although I thought for a moment that it was a graphic novel like Liu's Wingbearer), and the mean girl drama and Plum's struggles will invest readers in Plum's fight. Another smart idea was to build the world of the school and set up the conflict without getting too far into the fight that Plum will no doubt be involved in, and just have readers get used to Plum, the Academy, and how the magic works. Now, if the series is five books long or shorter, it will be perfect! Book two, Into the Shadow Mist, comes out in July, 2023.
Weaknesses: I wished that the book hadn't started with Plum conversing with worms, but then I remembered that when my daughter was in about third grade, she had pet worms, so the target demographic for this book might enjoy that bit!
What I really think: The pacing, explanations of magic, and interpersonal drama are perfectly developed for younger elementary students, and would be a much better choice for second and third graders than Harry Potter, no matter how "accelerated" they are. I'm debating this one for middle school. I've wanted a shorter fantasy series, but I don't think that seventh and eighth graders would pick this up. I would definitely purchase this for an elementary library.
February 7, 2023
I really enjoyed this book, very charming and fun, but I knocked 2 stars because it mishandled talking about meditation.
Was really disappointed that the headmaster would blame Plum for having anxiety and racing thoughts, but didn’t actually teach the kids, let alone her, about ways to help calm those thoughts. Just blamed her for “not listening”. Like not listening to what? All she did to teach was tell the kids to sit down and breath. Not actually teach them how to meditate. It’s not just sitting and breathing. It’s about focusing in the right way, and letting go of things. Of clearing the mind and connection. If the book didn’t have meditation as a major theme, then it would be just 1 star off.
Edit: I’d liked to also point out that the way it’s handled, demonizes the idea of having anxiety during meditation. Meditation is a way to not just connect to yourself, but to cleanse yourself of your anxiety. Its ok to have anxiety and rushing thoughts during meditation. It’s PART of the process. You’re supposed to learn to accept how you feel, connect to how you feel, and then let go. Those feelings are not some enemy. It’s you, and meditation helps you connect to those feelings and heal them.
Where the teacher failed, Sam succeeded. If the author just had a few lines where Sam says something along the lines of why the garden helped her transform, then maybe it would have helped. Over all, it’s a good book, but mishandled it’s main topic.
Was really disappointed that the headmaster would blame Plum for having anxiety and racing thoughts, but didn’t actually teach the kids, let alone her, about ways to help calm those thoughts. Just blamed her for “not listening”. Like not listening to what? All she did to teach was tell the kids to sit down and breath. Not actually teach them how to meditate. It’s not just sitting and breathing. It’s about focusing in the right way, and letting go of things. Of clearing the mind and connection. If the book didn’t have meditation as a major theme, then it would be just 1 star off.
Edit: I’d liked to also point out that the way it’s handled, demonizes the idea of having anxiety during meditation. Meditation is a way to not just connect to yourself, but to cleanse yourself of your anxiety. Its ok to have anxiety and rushing thoughts during meditation. It’s PART of the process. You’re supposed to learn to accept how you feel, connect to how you feel, and then let go. Those feelings are not some enemy. It’s you, and meditation helps you connect to those feelings and heal them.
Where the teacher failed, Sam succeeded. If the author just had a few lines where Sam says something along the lines of why the garden helped her transform, then maybe it would have helped. Over all, it’s a good book, but mishandled it’s main topic.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 21, 2024
Surprisingly good for lower MG! I really enjoyed this one and am excited to read its sequels!
May 16, 2023
What a unique adventure! Plum is learning what it takes to be a Guardian…if she can pass the first test! This adventure has mashup creatures, a lush setting, and friendship. I am looking forward to seeing what else Plum gets up to! 🧘♀️
November 22, 2024
This is maybe the best middle grade fantasy novel that I’ve read in a long time. Sometimes, reading some books to preview for my library kids seems like a chore, but then sometimes, I find a book that actually hooks me and speaks to me as a reader - not just a teacher of readers. The story is fantastic and I cannot wait to read the other books in this series!
April 26, 2024
Really fun and cute middle grade novel. I feel like there were some things that could have been explored and explained a little better, but solid first in a series. Enjoyed.
October 18, 2023
I loved Christina Soontornvat’s 𝘓𝘦𝘨𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘓𝘰𝘵𝘶𝘴 𝘐𝘴𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘥: 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘎𝘶𝘢𝘳𝘥𝘪𝘢𝘯 𝘛𝘦𝘴𝘵. It took me about 45 minutes to read, and its short length will (hopefully) make it more accessible to readers. 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘎𝘶𝘢𝘳𝘥𝘪𝘢𝘯 𝘛𝘦𝘴𝘵 is about Plum’s surprising acceptance into The Guardian Academy, a school where people learn to transform into magical creatures who protect the region. Plum is nervous to leave her grandparents who have raised her but gathers her courage, sets off on the ferry to Lotus Island, and makes new friends while also strengthening her mind, her physical strength, and her ability to communicate with animals. I liked the Thailand-inspired setting which included foods and flora. I also appreciated the themes of friendship and environmentalism set within the magical story.
5 / 5 stars
2nd grade +
5 / 5 stars
2nd grade +
April 24, 2023
This might not be my favorite fantasy novel, but it does a whole heck of a lot in a slim 130 pages.
That length is a selling point in and of itself. I've seen several other reviews that mention that. And Liz is always saying that she needs more books THIS length. It's not easy to find a *short* fantasy novel to hand to middle grade readers. And it'd be hard to find one that does as much - and does it as well - as Soontornvat does here.
Soontornvat seems unable of doing wrong right now. Regardless of genre she's knocking them out of the park. As far as this one goes... it's hard to describe the balance of concise and generous that Guardian Test manages. It's a short book with a big, well told story.
That length is a selling point in and of itself. I've seen several other reviews that mention that. And Liz is always saying that she needs more books THIS length. It's not easy to find a *short* fantasy novel to hand to middle grade readers. And it'd be hard to find one that does as much - and does it as well - as Soontornvat does here.
Soontornvat seems unable of doing wrong right now. Regardless of genre she's knocking them out of the park. As far as this one goes... it's hard to describe the balance of concise and generous that Guardian Test manages. It's a short book with a big, well told story.
November 9, 2022
This book has a lot of fun fantasy elements that feel fresh and interesting. The main character Plum faces a lot of relatable, real life challenges and handles them with grace. I love the length here — it’s high fantasy but it’s also less than 200 pages with pictures breaking up the text. There aren’t too many shorter length books like this, making it perfect for readers that may be intimidated by longer fantasy books (the content is also light enough for younger readers!).
March 17, 2024
I’ve been looking for some great short chapter books to recommend to students. This one will be added to the list. A fun quick read with an interesting premise. I really appreciated Soontornvat’s way of introducing the question of how we can protect the natural world while providing food and shelter for people. She isn’t preachy or overbearing at all. Looking forward to reading more in this series.
August 14, 2025
I've been trying to find my Magic Tree House and Merlin Missions-loving 8-year-old other books to read when she wants to take a break from Jack and Annie. I'd read The Guardian Test myself previously and found it to be a super enjoyable, fun, and accessible fantasy story for 2nd - 4th graders. AND it's only 147 pages!!! My daughter ended up loving this and rates it SEVEN out of 5 stars! We need more short books in series like this!
January 23, 2024
A story about beliving in your full potential! A wonderful beginning to a fun adventure with magic, cute animals, and friendships.
Plum is a humble farm girl who gets the chance to go to Guardian training. But does she really have powers?
Plum is a humble farm girl who gets the chance to go to Guardian training. But does she really have powers?
December 24, 2024
Awesome MG fantasy. I read this in one sitting. Plum is such an easy character to root for. Loved the details of this island world. The power that comes through breathing and meditation for the characters is an amazing element. Can’t wait for the next book!
September 3, 2025
I read this with Zach. He really likes the mythical creatures. This is our first chapter book.
I would like to amend my original post with Desmond Cole being our first chapter books thank you librarian, Megan 📚💁🏼♀️
I would like to amend my original post with Desmond Cole being our first chapter books thank you librarian, Megan 📚💁🏼♀️
September 30, 2025
3.5 stars but rounding up to 4 because I think this is a GREAT book for the intended audience. my 11 year old has fallen in LOVE with this book and will devour the rest of the series soon I'm sure. I read this so I could chat with her about it...and it really is a lovely book. it doesn't do anything new or amazing...I don't think its going to be memorable for me at all...but I did enjoy it.
November 8, 2022
4.5 stars
March 22, 2023
Such a fun fantasy story for kids, perfect for grade 3-4. My own daughter will love this!
May 8, 2023
4.5 stars rounded up.
A fun, yet highly undetailed read that promises an exciting new series.
A fun, yet highly undetailed read that promises an exciting new series.
December 12, 2025
Loved this! Great middle great fantasy, short chapters (pretty short overall really), unique and easy to understand world building. I would definitely continue the series.
October 16, 2024
5 stars per my daughter
May 26, 2025
Nice middle grade fantasy story for kids who are maybe a bit young for the later Harry Potter books but enjoy the genre
October 23, 2024
This book is definitely geared toward the younger middle grade readers lol but it was still a fun read this morning
May 27, 2025
Read with the boys. Definitely felt like more like an introduction than a full story, but we are all eager to read more of the series.
January 6, 2024
Awesome, adorable, doughlamb!
June 9, 2023
Holy cannoli, this book was really good. I immediately went to Edelweiss and started reading the second one. I would still be there, but I have some other books I really need to get to first. I think the illustrations really add to the story - you can picture things in your head, but showing what the author or illustrator thought they looked like was interesting, too. Could this win the Newbery? I don't know if it's "literary" enough (she says, not liking that so many Newbery books are "literary.") It's a great, great story though.
July 2, 2024
Great opening to a new fantasy series for kids that are between early chapter books and the 3” thick mega fantasy tomes! Plum is accepted to a special school for Guardians of the Santipap Islands and she wonders if she’ll even pass the first test-to transform into an animal form like all other Guardians do. And then there’s the fact that most of the other trainees at the Academy seem to know more about the legends and requirements than she does, not mention that they all seem to come from the wealthy island of Nakhon instead of a poor farming community of Big Crab Island. By the end of this 150 page book, readers in grades 3-5 will be anxious for the adventures of Plum, her new friends and the masters on Lotus Island and might have a few ideas about a little something sinister that may be brewing with “mean girl” Rella and the uber rich leader of Nakhon Island! Sure there are some of the usual fantasy tropes-talking to animals, transforming, illegal spells, and even a budding evil nemesis, but Christina Soontornvat excels at all types of writing and now fantasy is one of those types. No profanity, sexual content, or even any real violence to speak of. Vague food, plant and animal references and name conventions may lead some to perceive the characters as AAPI but the cover shows varying skin tones and very few physical characteristics are actually included in the text. There is diversity in economic levels and several different family configurations are noted.
A 2024-2025 Texas Bluebonnet Award nominee.
Thanks for sharing a print arc with #BookAllies, Scholastic.
A 2024-2025 Texas Bluebonnet Award nominee.
Thanks for sharing a print arc with #BookAllies, Scholastic.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 262 reviews