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The Wonder of Wildflowers
Ten-year-old Mira must balance the loyalty she feels towards her family with the desire to be accepted by her new classmates in this powerful coming-of-age story about identity, community, and finding a place to call home.
I’m not like most of my classmates. At least not yet.
My family came to this country when I was five years old, but we’re so close to becoming citizens now. This means we’ll finally be able to use Amber like everyone else. Then I will be as special as the rest of my classmates, the ones who were born here with magic already in their veins.
But most of all, no one will compare me to Daniel anymore. Daniel who doesn’t even try to fit in, who actually seems proud of being an outsider.
Once I take my first sip of Amber, I will be on the inside.
I hope.
I’m not like most of my classmates. At least not yet.
My family came to this country when I was five years old, but we’re so close to becoming citizens now. This means we’ll finally be able to use Amber like everyone else. Then I will be as special as the rest of my classmates, the ones who were born here with magic already in their veins.
But most of all, no one will compare me to Daniel anymore. Daniel who doesn’t even try to fit in, who actually seems proud of being an outsider.
Once I take my first sip of Amber, I will be on the inside.
I hope.
Hardcover
First published February 25, 2020
16 people are currently reading
476 people want to read
About the author
Anna Staniszewski
34 books321 followersAnna Staniszewski lives in the Boston area and teaches in the MFA Writing for Children Program at Simmons University. She's the author of over twenty books for young readers, including the The Dirt Diary series and Clique Here series, the picture books DOGOSAURUS REX and BEAST IN SHOW, and the Once Upon a Fairy Tale chapter book series. You can visit Anna at www.annastan.com or follow her on Twitter at www.twitter.com/annastanisz.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
March 9, 2021
Magical realism tends to open up different avenues to explore, compared to other genres. There's just so much room for creativity and imagination.
I'm not quite sure what genre The Wonder of Wildflowers by Anna Staniszewski falls into, but magical realism seems to be the most accurate descriptor. It's a thoughtful little book that feels very true to life, but with an element of magic sprinkled in. Despite it's relatively short length, it manages to cover a variety of topics including immigration, bullying, xenophobia, belonging, and limited resources.
The book doesn't end with everything fixed, nor does it pretend to have all the answers to the problems addressed in it. What it does do is encourage you to keep asking questions. The story comes off as very personal, due to the Author's own experiences (she immigrated from a then-Communist Poland to the US at five years old) and it adds a layer of authenticity to an already amazing book. It's the most serious of her work, and definitely my favorite. 5 out of 5 stars!
I'm not quite sure what genre The Wonder of Wildflowers by Anna Staniszewski falls into, but magical realism seems to be the most accurate descriptor. It's a thoughtful little book that feels very true to life, but with an element of magic sprinkled in. Despite it's relatively short length, it manages to cover a variety of topics including immigration, bullying, xenophobia, belonging, and limited resources.
The book doesn't end with everything fixed, nor does it pretend to have all the answers to the problems addressed in it. What it does do is encourage you to keep asking questions. The story comes off as very personal, due to the Author's own experiences (she immigrated from a then-Communist Poland to the US at five years old) and it adds a layer of authenticity to an already amazing book. It's the most serious of her work, and definitely my favorite. 5 out of 5 stars!
September 26, 2024
Mira and her family are new in Amberland. Since the discovery of Amber and it's magic-imbuing properties, Amberland has strictly guarded their borders and let very few immigrants in. Her scientist mother has been invited to move there though as there is a growing Amber shortage, and they want her to work on a team to see if they can manufacture a substitute. They are still waiting on their citizenship applications and until then none of the family gets any Amber. Mira can't wait to get Amber. It will help her grades at school and make it so she isn't as awkward at physical activities at school. The kids there can be pretty merciless to those without Amber, but thankfully the mayor's daughter, Krysta, has befriended Mira. Mira is careful to stay in Krysta's good graces so she doesn't get teased or ostracized like Daniel, the other kid in the class who is an immigrant. As the Amber shortage gets more serious and rations are enforced, Mira sees more and more protestors telling immigrants to go home and claiming the right to Amber for themselves alone. But as Mira learns of an illegal immigrant who came to Amberland because Amber was his only hope to survive, she starts to wonder who gets to decide who belongs and who doesn't. Are they like the Black-eyed Susans which she loves but her fathers pulls out of the garden claiming they are weeds?
Staniszewski uses a lightly magical land to make some poignant points about how we treat others, how greed can affect people, and what it is like for immigrants/refugees. The story was inspired by her own story as a refugee who moved to the US from Communist Poland as a child. Mira experiences touches of the greed herself and sees how it hurts herself and others. She also has to acknowledge that in some ways she was more talented without the Amber. It is a tactful, thought-provoking story that will hopefully grow empathy and understanding in readers.
Notes on content:
Language: One use of mild profanity.
Sexual content: None
Violence: A kid falls and injures himself.
Ethnic diversity: The lands in the country are made up, but Mira's family has touches of Polish culture.
LGBTQ+ content: None
Other: Mira and others experience some hate crimes (defacing property, a broken window, unkind signs). Mira has to decide between being popular and doing what is right. Some leaders aren't following the rationing laws they enforce. Mira's dad is in a little bit of depression as he was a well-respected doctor in their former country but is relegated to doing odd jobs in Amberland.
Staniszewski uses a lightly magical land to make some poignant points about how we treat others, how greed can affect people, and what it is like for immigrants/refugees. The story was inspired by her own story as a refugee who moved to the US from Communist Poland as a child. Mira experiences touches of the greed herself and sees how it hurts herself and others. She also has to acknowledge that in some ways she was more talented without the Amber. It is a tactful, thought-provoking story that will hopefully grow empathy and understanding in readers.
Notes on content:
Language: One use of mild profanity.
Sexual content: None
Violence: A kid falls and injures himself.
Ethnic diversity: The lands in the country are made up, but Mira's family has touches of Polish culture.
LGBTQ+ content: None
Other: Mira and others experience some hate crimes (defacing property, a broken window, unkind signs). Mira has to decide between being popular and doing what is right. Some leaders aren't following the rationing laws they enforce. Mira's dad is in a little bit of depression as he was a well-respected doctor in their former country but is relegated to doing odd jobs in Amberland.
December 28, 2024
A quick read but magically refreshing! As a teenager, I think is so wonderful how emotionally accurate some juvenile fiction books can be. In this book, I felt like my 10-year-old self was revived! I loved the authenticity of the characters and the activist plot! Immigration, racism, and unequal wealth discrimination are all important topics for children to learn about! I also loved all the magical aspects and how everything tied together. It’s a great allegory!
This is one of the first specifically magical realism books I’ve read & I definitely think this genre has so much potential! It’s such a great way to simplify complicated topics.
The only criticism I have of this book is that I think it is a little dark and complex for it’s intended audience. The style of the writting seems to fit the reading level of 3rd grader while I think I’d be much more digestible by a 5th grader or middle schooler. I don’t think the political subtext can be fully understood or comprehended by anyone younger than that.
This is one of the first specifically magical realism books I’ve read & I definitely think this genre has so much potential! It’s such a great way to simplify complicated topics.
The only criticism I have of this book is that I think it is a little dark and complex for it’s intended audience. The style of the writting seems to fit the reading level of 3rd grader while I think I’d be much more digestible by a 5th grader or middle schooler. I don’t think the political subtext can be fully understood or comprehended by anyone younger than that.
May 3, 2020
So good! An important look at immigration in a way that kids can understand and relate to. Also I love books where the “mean” kid comes around ;)
December 27, 2019
Mira has moved, with her family, from Poland to a country where everyone uses magic. Mira struggles to fit in, as her family is not permitted to use magic the same way as those who have been living there. Although based in fantasy, this book gives lots to talk about relevant topics such as immigration and fitting in. It's a story of community, friendship, and identity.
April 21, 2020
This made the immigration debate real and accessible to children in a way that isn't preachy. It was a clever idea of perfection and "magic" as a cure. It was easy to read, the characters were well drawn, and it moved at a good pace.
February 29, 2020
You can read my full review on my blog, The Writerly Way, here.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for an eARC in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
When I saw that this was a mid-grade book that tackled immigration, it immediately went on my must-read list.
The Wonder of Wildflowers is a beautiful, poignant, at times tragic story about a young girl who wants so desperately to fit in, in a country that seems like it will forever see her as “other”.
My heart broke over and over for Mira, and I swung so hard from wanting to cry to wanting to throw some people in a lake and hand them an encyclopedia set. Wait, I guess that’s not very fair, is it? The encyclopedias didn’t do anything. We’ll hand them a cinder block instead.
My Thoughts:
- There were so many moments in this book that were an emotional punch to the gut and sort of took my breath away. It was just so hard to read at times and elicited a very strong emotional response, whether it was sadness or anger or righteous indignation. Mostly, Mira just wants to be like everyone else. In this world, that means taking amber, which only citizens are allowed to do, and she’s convinced that it’ll make her better—a little more perfect, a little more like everyone else. Mira, like so many of us, is caught in this endless struggle of wanting to fit in, but always standing out, and trying to decide which one means the most to her. The part that hit me the hardest? Her conclusion that even her best would never be good enough and that she had to work twice as hard as the rest of the class to earn the same grade because of the amber. Just ooof.
- It was really easy to feel for and root for these characters, because they felt super realistic. Right down to the things they face, which are struggles that immigrants often face in this country. The microaggressions were the worst. All the characters had very compelling struggles, though, not just Mira, including her parents and her classmates. Yes, even the ones who were already on amber. I particularly related to Mira’s father, who resented losing everything, including his ability to practice medicine, and being treated like nothing in this new country. He fought so hard to try to instill traditional values in Mira, values that went against Amberland’s culture, that the man deserves a dang reward. And a hug. And maybe a cookie or two.
- The narrative has the opportunity to raise so many important discussion points. It’s the sort of book that would make a wonderful group read, because it’s so full of stuff and emotions that it needs some decompressing and working through. There’s a lot packed into not many pages, and things that would open up a wonderful discussion with middle grade readers. Like I said, this book is just full of so many good lessons that one may not necessarily think of, especially pertaining to immigrants. It’s a great jumping-off point to introduce young readers to concepts they may not have thought much about in an easy-to-comprehend fashion.
- This is a quick and easy read, one that was compelling and hard to put down. The book is very character driven, so don’t go in expecting a whirlwind plot or anything. Still, the struggles the characters faced were so relatable and compelling that I had absolutely no problem getting caught up in their lives.
Sticking Points:
- The allegory was a little on the nose and in your face, relying on the reader’s knowledge of the real world rather than constructing a well-thought-out fantasy one. Amberland is obviously America. But I couldn’t really tell you more about the world other than that. I loved the idea of the amber and the magic, but without fleshing out the world more, the allegory seems almost pointless, like this could have easily been set in the real world and it would’ve lost nothing. Okay, that’s not entirely true, since there were some things that definitely relied on the amber and magic plotline. But I felt like the world was a little too close to reality without distinguishing itself enough for the fantasy elements to really shine.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for an eARC in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
When I saw that this was a mid-grade book that tackled immigration, it immediately went on my must-read list.
The Wonder of Wildflowers is a beautiful, poignant, at times tragic story about a young girl who wants so desperately to fit in, in a country that seems like it will forever see her as “other”.
My heart broke over and over for Mira, and I swung so hard from wanting to cry to wanting to throw some people in a lake and hand them an encyclopedia set. Wait, I guess that’s not very fair, is it? The encyclopedias didn’t do anything. We’ll hand them a cinder block instead.
My Thoughts:
- There were so many moments in this book that were an emotional punch to the gut and sort of took my breath away. It was just so hard to read at times and elicited a very strong emotional response, whether it was sadness or anger or righteous indignation. Mostly, Mira just wants to be like everyone else. In this world, that means taking amber, which only citizens are allowed to do, and she’s convinced that it’ll make her better—a little more perfect, a little more like everyone else. Mira, like so many of us, is caught in this endless struggle of wanting to fit in, but always standing out, and trying to decide which one means the most to her. The part that hit me the hardest? Her conclusion that even her best would never be good enough and that she had to work twice as hard as the rest of the class to earn the same grade because of the amber. Just ooof.
- It was really easy to feel for and root for these characters, because they felt super realistic. Right down to the things they face, which are struggles that immigrants often face in this country. The microaggressions were the worst. All the characters had very compelling struggles, though, not just Mira, including her parents and her classmates. Yes, even the ones who were already on amber. I particularly related to Mira’s father, who resented losing everything, including his ability to practice medicine, and being treated like nothing in this new country. He fought so hard to try to instill traditional values in Mira, values that went against Amberland’s culture, that the man deserves a dang reward. And a hug. And maybe a cookie or two.
- The narrative has the opportunity to raise so many important discussion points. It’s the sort of book that would make a wonderful group read, because it’s so full of stuff and emotions that it needs some decompressing and working through. There’s a lot packed into not many pages, and things that would open up a wonderful discussion with middle grade readers. Like I said, this book is just full of so many good lessons that one may not necessarily think of, especially pertaining to immigrants. It’s a great jumping-off point to introduce young readers to concepts they may not have thought much about in an easy-to-comprehend fashion.
- This is a quick and easy read, one that was compelling and hard to put down. The book is very character driven, so don’t go in expecting a whirlwind plot or anything. Still, the struggles the characters faced were so relatable and compelling that I had absolutely no problem getting caught up in their lives.
Sticking Points:
- The allegory was a little on the nose and in your face, relying on the reader’s knowledge of the real world rather than constructing a well-thought-out fantasy one. Amberland is obviously America. But I couldn’t really tell you more about the world other than that. I loved the idea of the amber and the magic, but without fleshing out the world more, the allegory seems almost pointless, like this could have easily been set in the real world and it would’ve lost nothing. Okay, that’s not entirely true, since there were some things that definitely relied on the amber and magic plotline. But I felt like the world was a little too close to reality without distinguishing itself enough for the fantasy elements to really shine.
February 4, 2020
The Wonder of Wildflowers, by Anna Staniszewski, is timely and compelling. Mira's family has emigrated to Amberland, sacrificing much (her father's job) so that they can enjoy the benefits of using Amber, a magical substance enjoyed only by citizens of Amberland. Mira feels separate from her classmates as she awaits citizenship status and the right to use Amber. She especially does not want to be lumped in with Daniel, who is avoided and mocked by classmates because he is weaker and wears glasses. Mira just wants to fit in and try to feel equal to her peers. When she and her parents are granted citizenship at the same time that Amber rations are tightened, they begin to feel the resentment of citizens who want to keep the Amber for themselves, as quantities are dwindling.
While the action kept me reading eagerly, this book is truly about Mira's transformation and growth as she learns to accept herself and others, and finds the courage to stand up for what is right. I loved the social justice themes as well as the themes of friendship, family, bullying, immigration, and the concept of changing oneself to fit in or feel equal to others. There's so much to unpack and discuss with young readers. It would make a wonderful readaloud or book club choice!
While the action kept me reading eagerly, this book is truly about Mira's transformation and growth as she learns to accept herself and others, and finds the courage to stand up for what is right. I loved the social justice themes as well as the themes of friendship, family, bullying, immigration, and the concept of changing oneself to fit in or feel equal to others. There's so much to unpack and discuss with young readers. It would make a wonderful readaloud or book club choice!
July 16, 2020
I appreciate a book that can guide the reader to question and look more closely at their own moral standing with certain issues. This book has no such direction- it tells you exactly what to think, no questions asked, and all very forced. The topic, immigration, is a nuanced, politically charged discussion but this book is very one-dimensional: all immigrants good, all others bad (especially adults). "Immigrants good, everyone else bad!" The magic is symbolic of white privilege and everyone is very fixated and greedy. None of us controls the situation we are born into but we can choose to be kind- this book shows none of that until the end when, miraculously, the main protagonist changes everyone's heart with wink and a smile. Not a book I'll be recommending. I'll keep looking for a good immigration one and update that recommendation. If you have a recommendation for me, let me know! I'd love to have one to share with my kids...
April 2, 2020
This was such an amazing story about immigration, family, the haves and have nots, bullies, and finding who you are. I really loved how much Anna Staniszewski with this story. I fell in love with it early on and read it all in less than two hours. Mira was a wonderful character and I really loved how she learned that just because you think you want something doesn't mean that its good for you or will make you better. Because, sometimes you're good enough just the way you are and taking the time to learn and get better at something is better than just being perfect. This book is full of all the feels and it really makes you think about ethics vs. laws and how much it really matters that someone is coming to another country against the law.
I can not wait for another amazing story from this author!
I can not wait for another amazing story from this author!
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December 14, 2019I had the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this middle grade novel and it tells an engaging story about a family who has immigrated to a country that is full of promise due to a powerful resource that exists there. Mia and her parents came when Mia was five. Her mother is a research scientist involved in the work of finding ways to create more Amber. Amber is a substance that gives people strength, skills, talent, and health. It's only available to citizens of the country, and even then it's rationed. The amber is running out, and, as in all scarcity circumstances, people have strong disagreements about who should be able to get this precious substance. This story might have a lot of interest against the backdrop of the current national debate over immigration policy.
April 9, 2020
This was very well done-- A story about a fictional country that discovered a magical substance called Amber that runs beneath the ground. When ingested, it makes you a stronger, smarter version of yourself. Mira, our main character, moves to the town so her mom can work as a research scientist there. Despite their relevance, they are treated as unwelcome outsiders who are using the valuable resource of Amber, which by the way, has started to dry up. Tensions rise and protests break out against immigrants like Mira and also against the government who decides to start cutting everyone's Amber rations.
Lots of issues relevant to kids are touched upon here. Staniszewski has done a great job with this story. It manages to me interesting, exciting AND full of messages about acceptance.
Lots of issues relevant to kids are touched upon here. Staniszewski has done a great job with this story. It manages to me interesting, exciting AND full of messages about acceptance.
March 28, 2020
Mira and her family immigrated to Amberland when she was young in search of a better life. Amberland is not like most places - it's magical. Its residents are fueled by daily doses of Amber which makes them better, more efficient versions of themselves. Mira has long felt that she is an outsider - having not yet reached citizenship status, she doesn't get to take Amber. When the country's Amber stores start to dry up, the citizens engage in increasingly violent protests, many directed at the immigrants who are seen as less than.
This is an interesting book about bullying and immigration appropriately written for a middle grade audience. It would foster lots of healthy discussions.
This is an interesting book about bullying and immigration appropriately written for a middle grade audience. It would foster lots of healthy discussions.
June 2, 2020
The best way to describe this book is using the author’s own words - an immigration story with a little bit of magic thrown in. And that little bit of magic adds enough twist to the story to set it apart from other immigration stories. I think it makes it more accessible to a broader audience. And now I need to find out, are Black Eyed Susans really a weed!? I have always thought they were beautiful.
January 5, 2020
I cannot say enough how beautiful this book is. From the very first chapter, I was pulled in and in love with the characters. The author did an amazing job developing the characters and letting you see their thoughts, feelings, and inner struggles. This book was an amazing look into topics such as friendship, immigration, rationing, fitting in and so much more. This would make an incredible read aloud in fourth grade on up with so many avenues to explore. My 10 year old read it as well and has already asked to be able to purchase it when it becomes available. The ARC was made available to us through the #bookposse reading group. Its definitely in our top 5 for books of 2019.
August 14, 2020
Mira's family has come to Amberland for her mother to do research to try to find an artificial replacement for Amber which is used by citizens to keep them healthy. Mira tries to fit in with little success until her family becomes citizens and gains access to Amber. When the Amber supply is threatened, Mira must balance loyalty to her family and her adopted country.
February 15, 2022
This book about a magic "power source" called Amber and its use by the people of a town and others like it to promote almost super human qualities was also ultimately about immigration and how we treat others different from us.
It was a great discussion maker for me and my young daughter and we really enjoyed the story as well.
It was a great discussion maker for me and my young daughter and we really enjoyed the story as well.
March 16, 2020
A very interesting way to shed a light on the controversy surrounding immigration, both legal and illegal. The magic will make this more appealing to kids, and give them a way to think about the bigger issues. Recommended for grades 4 & up.
eARC provided by Edelweiss
eARC provided by Edelweiss
March 24, 2020
I enjoyed this book. It contained magical realism as well has touched on immigration issues. It was well-written. I didn’t feel any kind of connection to the characters but perhaps children will better relate.
June 17, 2020
Magical with a hint of realism middle grade about immigration, fitting in, and acceptance. Delightful opportunities for making parallels to current world events, while fantasy elements keep this accessible and enjoyable for readers needing a bridge to explore those topics more deeply.
March 8, 2021
Loved. This. SO much!!! A fantasy story that is a beautiful metaphor for immigrants and the struggle they encounter. Thought provoking but written in a way that MG readers can understand, relate, and discuss.
December 30, 2021
Beautiful story of a girl whose family immigrated to a land with magic. Immigration is the central issue of the book, along with the question of whether magic should be used to make yourself perfect.
October 13, 2019
This was a unique story!
November 10, 2019
Best part was the character’s growing realization that she’s okay without the popular kids on her side.
November 24, 2019
Very unique story. Strong allegory for America today.
June 16, 2020
What if you could mine a substance that gave you magic? A wonderful, fantastical tale that deals with friendships, privilege and doing the right thing for the right reasons.
August 3, 2020
This book has so many great messages for kids around topics of immigrants, refugees, bullying, being kind, and learning to have confidence.
August 27, 2020
Heartwarming, short, simple and easy to read. Can be read by any generations.
November 23, 2020
Nice, approachable book using the concept of 'magic' to address immigration.
August 18, 2021
Clever and just the right size! Happily surprised by it and thought the plot and characters and themes were spot-on. I love when a book surprises me and can be passed to multiple hands/ages!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews