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The Search for the Phoenix Gem: An In-questigation
A magical all-new story based on Disney and Pixar's film Onward!
Sadalia Brushthorn is an ordinary teenage elf. She goes to school, hangs out with her friends, and dreams of becoming a journalist. But the problem is, nothing exciting ever seems to happen in her town of New Mushroomton. Sadalia wonders if she'll ever get the chance to write a true investigative story. Then one day something mysterious, monumental, and shockingly magical erupts at her high school, sending everything into chaos. And the whole event centers on two elf brothers, Ian and Barley Lightfoot. Sadalia thinks this is her chance to finally write a real story. But there are so many questions: What caused this event? How are Ian and Barley involved? And why were they searching for a magical object known as the Phoenix Gem? It's up to Sadalia to set out on her own in-questigation, to follow the Lightfoot brothers' epic quest and discover the truth about the events that transformed her town and her entire world.
Sadalia Brushthorn is an ordinary teenage elf. She goes to school, hangs out with her friends, and dreams of becoming a journalist. But the problem is, nothing exciting ever seems to happen in her town of New Mushroomton. Sadalia wonders if she'll ever get the chance to write a true investigative story. Then one day something mysterious, monumental, and shockingly magical erupts at her high school, sending everything into chaos. And the whole event centers on two elf brothers, Ian and Barley Lightfoot. Sadalia thinks this is her chance to finally write a real story. But there are so many questions: What caused this event? How are Ian and Barley involved? And why were they searching for a magical object known as the Phoenix Gem? It's up to Sadalia to set out on her own in-questigation, to follow the Lightfoot brothers' epic quest and discover the truth about the events that transformed her town and her entire world.
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First published February 18, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
April 16, 2020
This is a cute little early-tween kind of book - basically it is a sequel to the movie, where one of the background characters from the movie takes the stage. Sadalia (the purple girl from the scene in the movie where Ian invites and immediately un-invites a group of kids to his birthday party) is a reporter for the school newspaper, and she wants to write an article on why the school, you know, turned into a dragon. She essentially goes on the same quest Ian and Barley went on in the movie, trying to discover what happened, and meeting a number of the other background characters from the movie along the way.
It's an enjoyable enough read, although since it essentially just hits all of the same beats as the movie, there's not really much substance to it. If you have a young reader who loved the movie, I'd guess they'll probably love the book as well, in much the same way as young girls watch Frozen over and over... kids love to re-experience a good experience. Particularly for girls who can always use a strong female role model, Sadalia is a character who knows what she wants to achieve and does what it takes to achieve it. Her motives are good, and she is willing to make personal sacrifices to reach her goal. One warning: one of the things she does is sneak out of the house in the dead of night against her parents' direct instructions, and never suffers consequences for it because a police officer lies to her parents about it... the book glosses over the fact that real parents in the real world would object to this, and it would be irresponsible (illegal?) for a police officer to participate in that kind of deception. To be fair, Sadalia doesn't like going against her parents' wishes; she's not a Bart Simpson character. She's a "good kid" but she gets away with doing something she shouldn't have. If you are not prepared for your child to process that correctly, you might steer her clear for now, or be prepared to have a conversation about if what Sadalia did was appropriate.
This isn't a book for grown-ups. Don't plan to read it instead of the next Crichton best-seller. For kids who loved the movie, though, outside of Sadalia's subterfuge, this is a fun book
It's an enjoyable enough read, although since it essentially just hits all of the same beats as the movie, there's not really much substance to it. If you have a young reader who loved the movie, I'd guess they'll probably love the book as well, in much the same way as young girls watch Frozen over and over... kids love to re-experience a good experience. Particularly for girls who can always use a strong female role model, Sadalia is a character who knows what she wants to achieve and does what it takes to achieve it. Her motives are good, and she is willing to make personal sacrifices to reach her goal. One warning: one of the things she does is sneak out of the house in the dead of night against her parents' direct instructions, and never suffers consequences for it because a police officer lies to her parents about it... the book glosses over the fact that real parents in the real world would object to this, and it would be irresponsible (illegal?) for a police officer to participate in that kind of deception. To be fair, Sadalia doesn't like going against her parents' wishes; she's not a Bart Simpson character. She's a "good kid" but she gets away with doing something she shouldn't have. If you are not prepared for your child to process that correctly, you might steer her clear for now, or be prepared to have a conversation about if what Sadalia did was appropriate.
This isn't a book for grown-ups. Don't plan to read it instead of the next Crichton best-seller. For kids who loved the movie, though, outside of Sadalia's subterfuge, this is a fun book
July 4, 2022
Cool story , I enjoyed it .
It was fun because I watched the movie so I knew more than the character did.
It was fun because I watched the movie so I knew more than the character did.
May 16, 2020
The book is based on the Disney movie. It is primarily a middle-grade read for fans of fantasy, magic, dragons, and coming-of-age novels.
Sadalia is a sophomore at Mushroomton High, Her passion is journalism. She constantly searches for that big story. When a red mist appears around the school one evening, her dream comes true. The high school is taken over by a dragon. The adventure of a lifetime begins.
Will things ever get back to normal? What part have her two schoolmates, Ian and Barley, played in the mystery? Can Sadalia get her big scoop? Fans of the movie will want to check out the book. Recommended for grades three through seven.
Sadalia is a sophomore at Mushroomton High, Her passion is journalism. She constantly searches for that big story. When a red mist appears around the school one evening, her dream comes true. The high school is taken over by a dragon. The adventure of a lifetime begins.
Will things ever get back to normal? What part have her two schoolmates, Ian and Barley, played in the mystery? Can Sadalia get her big scoop? Fans of the movie will want to check out the book. Recommended for grades three through seven.
February 25, 2020
I love any Disney story brought to book--such a great way for my kiddos to enjoy a story they love beyond the movie! This is a fun way for my kids to enjoy Onward and carry on the fun--thanks for sending us an ARC for review, Disney Books!
April 29, 2020
Loved it! Cute book!
October 14, 2020
This is a retelling of the movie Onward. This story is told from the perspective of student reporter from the Ian's high school and a possible new friend. Sadalia follows the trail that Ian and Barley led as they tried to find another Phoenix Gem so they could say good-bye to their father. This is an interesting take on a retelling of a movie but giving supplemental informaiion to the reader. I would recommend this title were Disney is a big draw.
June 22, 2022
Dragons and Wizards
I truly had no idea what to think when I started this Story but I was not disappointed. It covers the events of the movie and more of the aftermath from a new perspective. An epic quest again, but different. New characters and a lot of adventure. If you haven't seen the movie yet, watch it first and then enjoy this read. Great for the whole family.
I truly had no idea what to think when I started this Story but I was not disappointed. It covers the events of the movie and more of the aftermath from a new perspective. An epic quest again, but different. New characters and a lot of adventure. If you haven't seen the movie yet, watch it first and then enjoy this read. Great for the whole family.
December 30, 2024
A Fun Trip
A great journey into journalism following Sadalia after the events with Ian and Barley in Onward.
Sadalia, trying to become editor in chief of her school newspaper, sees the huge dragon created from her school and decides that's the story that will rocket launch her success.
It's a rough ride following Ian and Barleys footsteps but she's determined!
A great journey into journalism following Sadalia after the events with Ian and Barley in Onward.
Sadalia, trying to become editor in chief of her school newspaper, sees the huge dragon created from her school and decides that's the story that will rocket launch her success.
It's a rough ride following Ian and Barleys footsteps but she's determined!
May 28, 2020
My kids loved Onward, so they enjoyed this too. They liked the familiarity of the main characters and plot seen through the fresh eyes of the dedicated, female high school newspaper reporter. As a journalist, I approve of the way the protagonist was written. She is driven, curious and resourceful.
June 17, 2020
Fun Companion to the Movie
I love the message of believing in yourself and pursuing your dreams. This book approached the storyline of the movie from a different and unique angle by describing the aftermath of the events. Very well written and fun story to read.
I love the message of believing in yourself and pursuing your dreams. This book approached the storyline of the movie from a different and unique angle by describing the aftermath of the events. Very well written and fun story to read.
July 20, 2020
I liked the spirit behind this book. However, most of it was just rehashing what had already happened plainly in the movie. So, although the writing was well done, if you are looking for an original story, look elsewhere.
July 10, 2023
Great Adventure
This was a great way to see another side of Onward. I enjoyed following the main character on her quest for truth. The personal growth throughout was nice to see and good for kids to read. I look forward to my kids reading this in the future.
This was a great way to see another side of Onward. I enjoyed following the main character on her quest for truth. The personal growth throughout was nice to see and good for kids to read. I look forward to my kids reading this in the future.
April 17, 2020
Great short read if you were a fan of Onward
May 3, 2020
Cute! I really like seeing the movie from the POV of someone who wasn't part of the quest!
May 28, 2020
Good with a scary part
When the mushroomton school turned in to a dragon it was scary but otherwise I liked it. Watch the movie before you read it!
When the mushroomton school turned in to a dragon it was scary but otherwise I liked it. Watch the movie before you read it!
June 1, 2020
He read past the timer
I download this book for my grandson to read for his the 20 minutes each night
He got so excited about the story he would read past the timer
I download this book for my grandson to read for his the 20 minutes each night
He got so excited about the story he would read past the timer
June 27, 2020
Magical tale
This is a good book to read with adventure trailing from the beginning to the end. It gives insight for when you see the movie.
This is a good book to read with adventure trailing from the beginning to the end. It gives insight for when you see the movie.
October 17, 2020
So this was cute, but I haven't seen the movie so some was lost on me
September 29, 2023
Really enjoyed reading this with my 9 year old
May 6, 2025
I love this book 😻
August 9, 2020
A sort of sequel to Onward. This time another character finds her own adventure.
October 22, 2023
Mir hat diese Geschichte zum Stärken von meinem Selbstvertrauen geholfen.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews