What do you think?
Rate this book
The Magical Imperfect
Set against the backdrop of the 1989 San Francisco earthquake in a town of refugees who came to America via Angel Island, the middle grade novel in verse is about a boy who is selectively mute and a girl who won't leave her house because of a skin condition and the magical Jewish clay that allows them to help each other.
336 pages, Hardcover
First published June 15, 2021
46 people are currently reading
1669 people want to read
About the author
Chris Baron
9 books163 followersChris Baron is the award winning author of Novels for Children including ALL OF ME, an NCTE Notable Book, THE MAGICAL IMPERFECT a Sydney Taylor Book Award Notable Book/ a SLJ Best Book of 2021 & the forthcoming novels, THE GRAY a ProjectLIT 23-24 Selection and SPARK from Feiwel & Friends/Macmillan, and SECRET OF THE DRAGON GEMS, a Middle Grade novel co-authored with Rajani LaRocca from Little Bee Books, and editor of ON ALL OTHER NIGHTS: A MIDDLE GRADE PASSOVER ANTHOLOGY, from Abrams (24), He is a Professor of English at San Diego City College and the director of the Writing Center. He grew up in New York City, but he completed his MFA in Poetry in 1998 at SDSU. HE lives in San Diego with his family. He is represented by Rena Rossner from the Deborah Harris Literary Agency.
Twitter: @baronchrisbaron
Instagram: @christhebearbaron
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 231 reviews
June 7, 2021
Etan and Malia have found themselves on the outside. When Etan is given the job of running deliveries to Malia's home, he gets to know her and discovers her beautiful singing. Etan is in therapy for selective mutism. Malia's family keeps her home from school because of severe eczema. Both feel like outcasts and find support in each other. Meanwhile it is almost World Series time (A's vs Giants) and a major earthquake is looming. Using the spare verse model gives the reader more of a sense Etan's world and the logjam of words he is trying to free. For Malia, the verse structure is a reminder of her world of music. This book also includes immigration and discrimination issues as well as a glimpse into Jewish and Filipino households. I loved the multi-generational feel as well.
Thank you to Macmillan Childrens (Feiwel & Friends) and NetGalley for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Macmillan Childrens (Feiwel & Friends) and NetGalley for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
May 16, 2023
The one to whom the miracle is happening does not recognize the miracle.
What a lovely book!
The Magical Imperfect takes place in 1989 and follows Etan, a young boy with selective mutism. His mutism started when his mother left to stay at a hospital for a long time; now, he can only talk so much to certain people and barely anything to anyone else. He lives with his grandfather, a repairman who takes their Jewish faith very seriously, and his workman father who is having trouble getting back to synagogue. Etan has grown distant from his friends, classmates, and even his father. He draws away in his notebook, waiting for his mother to return. The one day, Etan's neighbor has him deliver something to a house near the woods. The house is where Malia lives, a Filipina girl with severe eczema. Malia loves to sing, but she can't go outside for long because the sunlight will affect her skin. Etan befriends Malia, but both still feel like they can't blend in, so Etan wants to help Malia. And that's when his grandfather gives him clay from a river near Prague where their family came from and clay from the Holy Land. His grandfather tells him that the Jewish people once used this clay to make a golem to protect their community. Etan begins to wonder if this clay can heal Malia.
I'll be upfront: I haven't read a Middle Grade book since, well, I was in the MG age range many *coughtenpluscough* years ago. I won this book in a giveaway and will be witnessing a Zoom interview with the author Chris Baron on May 30. This was such a delightful return to MG. It's written in verse, meaning it's written in the style of poems, from the first person perspective of Etan. I don't why Baron chose the verse writing style, but don't go into it expecting it to be like traditional rhyming poems. Baron's approach seems to be the newer, more free-spirited (is that the correct term?) style of poetry where the format is most important. Whenever anybody speaks, the lines are indented. Whenever a second or third person speaks, the lines of their "dialogue" are further indented. I came to realize that whenever Etan was focusing on a specific thought, the lines would stairstep down the page. It's fairly easy to get the hang of. Now, some will question what the purpose of writing this book in verse was. I can't really say, nor do I have an opinion on it other than I liked it.
If Baron did this to portray the emotions of the book better, then it certainly succeeded. We can feel Etan's reluctance and sadness and joy, but also the mood of each scene. It's predominately a very happy book, but it's not without its more serious and somber scenes. It has a good balance of happy and sad moments, with neither feeling being overwhelming so that it drags down neither its younger intended audience nor any adults who may pick this up. Overall, the emotional feeling was the greatest strength of this book.
I did really love seeing Etan and Malia's journey. They both came out of their shells, became close friends, and were able to pursue their interests. Malia desperately wants to sing, and in front of a crowd! Etan wants to speak again, but he also wants to get back into baseball. Now that I think about it, I realize that Etan and Malia both wanted to do something with their voices. They both want to be heard. Etan listens to the advice of all the adults around him, particularly his father and grandfather despite their butting heads, and Malia to the ancient trees around her home. In general, there was message about listening to those around you AND the world around you. I should mention that Etan and Malia live in San Francisco during a time of great earthquakes and Etan comments on these scenes quite a bit, from the physical sensation to how the world seems to change. This listening to the world around you is tripled when Etan and Malia attempt to mix the golem clay with the clay in the river behind Malia's house.
I am not expert in Judaism, but I do wonder if this listening theme comes from the faith which is interwoven into the story. I wouldn't call this a religious book, but a book that has some focus on the Jewish faith. It takes the subject seriously, but is more of an interpersonal story within Etan's family. Etan has no questions about his religion, but rather learns from his grandfather about their heritage and a quite different power of prayer. As I stated before, Etan's father hasn't gone back to synagogue in a while due to the death of Etan's grandmother and Etan's mother being hospitalized. I won't spoil whether or not Etan's father engages with Judaism, but I will say that Etan's grandfather's emphasis about their faith is community. Community seems to be another overall theme with this book, from the community of immigrants that Etan's grand father and Malia's grandmother come over with to the people around their current lives.
The pacing and writing of the story are just right. Etan and Malia's character arcs reach perfect conclusions. This was such a wonderful and endearing book!
What a lovely book!
The Magical Imperfect takes place in 1989 and follows Etan, a young boy with selective mutism. His mutism started when his mother left to stay at a hospital for a long time; now, he can only talk so much to certain people and barely anything to anyone else. He lives with his grandfather, a repairman who takes their Jewish faith very seriously, and his workman father who is having trouble getting back to synagogue. Etan has grown distant from his friends, classmates, and even his father. He draws away in his notebook, waiting for his mother to return. The one day, Etan's neighbor has him deliver something to a house near the woods. The house is where Malia lives, a Filipina girl with severe eczema. Malia loves to sing, but she can't go outside for long because the sunlight will affect her skin. Etan befriends Malia, but both still feel like they can't blend in, so Etan wants to help Malia. And that's when his grandfather gives him clay from a river near Prague where their family came from and clay from the Holy Land. His grandfather tells him that the Jewish people once used this clay to make a golem to protect their community. Etan begins to wonder if this clay can heal Malia.
I'll be upfront: I haven't read a Middle Grade book since, well, I was in the MG age range many *coughtenpluscough* years ago. I won this book in a giveaway and will be witnessing a Zoom interview with the author Chris Baron on May 30. This was such a delightful return to MG. It's written in verse, meaning it's written in the style of poems, from the first person perspective of Etan. I don't why Baron chose the verse writing style, but don't go into it expecting it to be like traditional rhyming poems. Baron's approach seems to be the newer, more free-spirited (is that the correct term?) style of poetry where the format is most important. Whenever anybody speaks, the lines are indented. Whenever a second or third person speaks, the lines of their "dialogue" are further indented. I came to realize that whenever Etan was focusing on a specific thought, the lines would stairstep down the page. It's fairly easy to get the hang of. Now, some will question what the purpose of writing this book in verse was. I can't really say, nor do I have an opinion on it other than I liked it.
If Baron did this to portray the emotions of the book better, then it certainly succeeded. We can feel Etan's reluctance and sadness and joy, but also the mood of each scene. It's predominately a very happy book, but it's not without its more serious and somber scenes. It has a good balance of happy and sad moments, with neither feeling being overwhelming so that it drags down neither its younger intended audience nor any adults who may pick this up. Overall, the emotional feeling was the greatest strength of this book.
I did really love seeing Etan and Malia's journey. They both came out of their shells, became close friends, and were able to pursue their interests. Malia desperately wants to sing, and in front of a crowd! Etan wants to speak again, but he also wants to get back into baseball. Now that I think about it, I realize that Etan and Malia both wanted to do something with their voices. They both want to be heard. Etan listens to the advice of all the adults around him, particularly his father and grandfather despite their butting heads, and Malia to the ancient trees around her home. In general, there was message about listening to those around you AND the world around you. I should mention that Etan and Malia live in San Francisco during a time of great earthquakes and Etan comments on these scenes quite a bit, from the physical sensation to how the world seems to change. This listening to the world around you is tripled when Etan and Malia attempt to mix the golem clay with the clay in the river behind Malia's house.
I am not expert in Judaism, but I do wonder if this listening theme comes from the faith which is interwoven into the story. I wouldn't call this a religious book, but a book that has some focus on the Jewish faith. It takes the subject seriously, but is more of an interpersonal story within Etan's family. Etan has no questions about his religion, but rather learns from his grandfather about their heritage and a quite different power of prayer. As I stated before, Etan's father hasn't gone back to synagogue in a while due to the death of Etan's grandmother and Etan's mother being hospitalized. I won't spoil whether or not Etan's father engages with Judaism, but I will say that Etan's grandfather's emphasis about their faith is community. Community seems to be another overall theme with this book, from the community of immigrants that Etan's grand father and Malia's grandmother come over with to the people around their current lives.
The pacing and writing of the story are just right. Etan and Malia's character arcs reach perfect conclusions. This was such a wonderful and endearing book!
December 27, 2020
A beautiful novel in verse about community, family, and forgiveness, featuring baseball, 80s music, and the magic that binds all these things together. Etan and Malia's burgeoning friendship helps them reach past the things that are hurting them to find healing and joy.
June 15, 2021
The Magical Imperfect is an incredibly moving verse novel about friendship, family, body image, and community. Set in 1989 San Francisco, this middle grade book highlights the ever changing landscape of a place, especially with immigration and people coming in and out of our lives.
With a protagonist dealing with selective mutism, a character with severe eczema and a parent checking into a mental health facility, this book touches on mental and physical health conditions and how they can affect the way we view ourselves, but also how the best kind of healing we can find is from love, friendship and connection.
Read my full review on my blog.
Many thanks to the author and publisher for an eARC of this book.
With a protagonist dealing with selective mutism, a character with severe eczema and a parent checking into a mental health facility, this book touches on mental and physical health conditions and how they can affect the way we view ourselves, but also how the best kind of healing we can find is from love, friendship and connection.
Read my full review on my blog.
Many thanks to the author and publisher for an eARC of this book.
Read
August 16, 2021Etan and Malia have found themselves on the outside. When Etan is given the job of running deliveries to Malia's home, he gets to know her and discovers her beautiful singing. Etan is in therapy for selective mutism. Malia's family keeps her home from school because of severe eczema. Both feel like outcasts and find support in each other. Meanwhile it is almost World Series time (A's vs Giants) and a major earthquake is looming. Using the spare verse model gives the reader more of a sense Etan's world and the logjam of words he is trying to free. For Malia, the verse structure is a reminder of her world of music. This book also includes immigration and discrimination issues as well as a glimpse into Jewish and Filipino households. I loved the multi-generational feel as well. *Reviewed by Darla from Red Bridge*
August 24, 2022
Fabulous book written in verse. I can’t wait to discuss this with the Children’s Literature Book Club on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/groups/47240... The Magical Imperfect is a story about family, community, and togetherness. It’s about accepting people who are different from oneself and working together to face difficulties.
August 26, 2021
I really enjoyed this book. Though it takes place in 1989, it feels a bit timeless in its message of kindness and other-people first. This book has an important message of appreciating people for being different, and not being afraid to do the right thing.
The use of the earthquake as a method of bringing people together definitely has a similar feeling of how the current pandemic is definitely affecting people, changing priorities. I think kids today could still relate to the book, even with its more dated references.
The use of the earthquake as a method of bringing people together definitely has a similar feeling of how the current pandemic is definitely affecting people, changing priorities. I think kids today could still relate to the book, even with its more dated references.
June 3, 2021
Wow, what a phenomenal novel in verse! I loved ALL OF ME by Chris Baron, and had already seen lots of love for his second novel, but I was still blown away by the complexity of story told in lyrical free verse poetry, a format I have been loving recently!
In THE MAGICAL IMPERFECT, Etan is a boy whose words have left him, also leaving him isolated. He lives in a tight-knit community, so is surprised to discover a new friend in Malia, who is hidden away from the world because of a severe skin condition. The two find ways to help one another to be seen, heard, and accepted. I loved the multigenerational aspect of this book, as well as the immigration themes. The story takes place in 1989, against the backdrop of the redwoods outside San Francisco, and leading up to the devastating earthquakes that occurred that fall. I was riveted as I read about Etan and Malia, the touches of magic and mystery, and the many ways that we find healing from physical and emotional wounds. I can’t recommend this book enough, and can’t wait to get my own copy when it releases.
In THE MAGICAL IMPERFECT, Etan is a boy whose words have left him, also leaving him isolated. He lives in a tight-knit community, so is surprised to discover a new friend in Malia, who is hidden away from the world because of a severe skin condition. The two find ways to help one another to be seen, heard, and accepted. I loved the multigenerational aspect of this book, as well as the immigration themes. The story takes place in 1989, against the backdrop of the redwoods outside San Francisco, and leading up to the devastating earthquakes that occurred that fall. I was riveted as I read about Etan and Malia, the touches of magic and mystery, and the many ways that we find healing from physical and emotional wounds. I can’t recommend this book enough, and can’t wait to get my own copy when it releases.
December 9, 2020
This was a powerhouse of a novel-in-verse. I've been reading quite a lot of action adventure type stories lately and when I started this book, I thought it would stay in the more emotional, ethereal realm (I guess that may be my baggage with the "in-verse" tag). Boy was I surprised!
Not only did this book capture the emotions and life-view of middle graders immensely well, it also had a lot of intrigue, mystery, excitement, and a dash of magic. I was sucked right in and smitten. It is definitely an "okay, just one more page before going to bed!" kind of book.
One thing I especially enjoyed about the story was the relationship between Etan and Malia. Done in an easy, natural way, I could viscerally feel their bond blossoming and strengthening amid the excitement of the events in the story. And I have to admit, I did catch myself humming "Time After Time"... ;)
Both heartbreaking and heartwarming, THE MAGICAL IMPERFECT is an inspirational story of optimism and hope.
If only this review were as lyrical as Chris Baron's work...
Not only did this book capture the emotions and life-view of middle graders immensely well, it also had a lot of intrigue, mystery, excitement, and a dash of magic. I was sucked right in and smitten. It is definitely an "okay, just one more page before going to bed!" kind of book.
One thing I especially enjoyed about the story was the relationship between Etan and Malia. Done in an easy, natural way, I could viscerally feel their bond blossoming and strengthening amid the excitement of the events in the story. And I have to admit, I did catch myself humming "Time After Time"... ;)
Both heartbreaking and heartwarming, THE MAGICAL IMPERFECT is an inspirational story of optimism and hope.
If only this review were as lyrical as Chris Baron's work...
May 28, 2023
This is categorized as a middle grade book good for folks ages 9-12. I would propose the target audience is actually kids of all ages, people who have kids, people who work with kids, or people who know kids. This would also be a good fit for people who are introverted, cautious, awkward, quiet, appreciate gentleness or have ever been in a situation where they would appreciate being comforted by someone. In other words- everyone could benefit from and enjoy reading this sweet story. This is the first book I have ever read written in verse. It was gloriously easy to read and Chris is obviously a very talented writer. I had a smile on my face several times throughout this story and really fell in love with the characters. I can’t wait to read more work by this exceptionally talented author. I recommend reading this as soon as you can.
December 7, 2020
When you don’t talk a lot
I think your ears get stronger.
—Chris Baron, The Magical Imperfect
This novel in verse tells a heartfelt story of friendship, family, and community. The writing is absolutely beautiful, and I was rooting for Etan from on the very first page.
As much as I was wrapped up in the story and wanted to keep turning pages, found myself purposely reading slowly just so I could savor the language. The above passage is one of my favorites in the book.
I loved the relationships and family dynamics here, especially Etan’s relationships with his father and grandfather, which felt very realistic.
Readers are going to love this one!
I think your ears get stronger.
—Chris Baron, The Magical Imperfect
This novel in verse tells a heartfelt story of friendship, family, and community. The writing is absolutely beautiful, and I was rooting for Etan from on the very first page.
As much as I was wrapped up in the story and wanted to keep turning pages, found myself purposely reading slowly just so I could savor the language. The above passage is one of my favorites in the book.
I loved the relationships and family dynamics here, especially Etan’s relationships with his father and grandfather, which felt very realistic.
Readers are going to love this one!
February 7, 2021
Satisfying as homemade challah, this book brings the reader to the San Francisco area of 1989 and celebrates family and community. Periodic earthquake tremors remind the reader that nothing is perfectly stable, least of all the life of a middle-schooler who has decided not to speak and his friend who is homeschooled to avoid being called "the creature" by classmates. With poignant relationships between elders and kids, brave moves to help one another, emotional risks, and a bit of old world magic, this book delights. Highly recommended for fans of verse novels -- and everyone else!
August 6, 2022
A Maine Student Book Award Nominee for 2022|2023
This is a moving and beautiful story about two imperfect kids; who form an unlikely but perfect friendship. When Etans mother goes away, he stops talking-almost completely. When he is tasked with making deliveries for a neighbor, he meets young Malia. She is unable to go to school due to her severe eczema. An unlikely friendship forms; and they teach each other about what it means to be yourself.
With themes of loss, and family and remembering where you come from-this was a beautiful novel in verse.
This is a moving and beautiful story about two imperfect kids; who form an unlikely but perfect friendship. When Etans mother goes away, he stops talking-almost completely. When he is tasked with making deliveries for a neighbor, he meets young Malia. She is unable to go to school due to her severe eczema. An unlikely friendship forms; and they teach each other about what it means to be yourself.
With themes of loss, and family and remembering where you come from-this was a beautiful novel in verse.
October 18, 2021
This. Book.
I was swept up from the very first page and as I got deeper in, I became more and more entrenched in Etan's story. I stayed up way too late to finish this book, unable to put it down.
Etan is a character who is impossible not to love - his generous heart, sensitive nature, and how he immerses himself in his community. His grandfather is lovely too, although I worried for him throughout the book. I absolutely Malia and her fierce determination and how she and Etan come together and developed a tender friendship.
Added bonus were the 80s music references, but that's a testament to when I grew up (yes, I'm totally dating myself). That Malia sings Time after Time is absolutely perfect and I suspect it was a meaningful choice by the author that I heartily approve of. Finally, having a long memory for 80s music pays off.
I can't do this book justice in the few lines of a review, but I was struck hard in the feels. So much that while I purchased the ebook (my preferred format so my house isn't overrun with books!) when I got halfway through, I bought the hard copy, knowing this one was going on my keeper shelf.
I was swept up from the very first page and as I got deeper in, I became more and more entrenched in Etan's story. I stayed up way too late to finish this book, unable to put it down.
Etan is a character who is impossible not to love - his generous heart, sensitive nature, and how he immerses himself in his community. His grandfather is lovely too, although I worried for him throughout the book. I absolutely Malia and her fierce determination and how she and Etan come together and developed a tender friendship.
Added bonus were the 80s music references, but that's a testament to when I grew up (yes, I'm totally dating myself). That Malia sings Time after Time is absolutely perfect and I suspect it was a meaningful choice by the author that I heartily approve of. Finally, having a long memory for 80s music pays off.
I can't do this book justice in the few lines of a review, but I was struck hard in the feels. So much that while I purchased the ebook (my preferred format so my house isn't overrun with books!) when I got halfway through, I bought the hard copy, knowing this one was going on my keeper shelf.
December 2, 2021
A historical fiction (Is 1989 really historical??) novel in verse that's full of family, friendship, faith, and fitting in. Etan is selectively mute. Malia is plagued by severe eczema. They both have had more than their fair share of lemons, but when they're together, life seems just about perfect. A story that ticks all the boxes for me and reminds me a lot of another book I really enjoyed this year, When You Trap a Tiger, by Tae Keller.
Find it today: https://ent.sharelibraries.info/clien...
Jayme A. / Milton Public Library #CheckOutMPL
Find it today: https://ent.sharelibraries.info/clien...
Jayme A. / Milton Public Library #CheckOutMPL
June 5, 2021
This novel in verse is historical fiction set in 1989. On October 17, 1989, the San Francisco earthquake happened as everyone was tuning in to Game 3 of the World Series. Etan is young boy with selective mutism who is trying to cope with the absence of his mom. He befriends a girl, Malia, who is suffering from a skin condition that keeps her out of school and away from other kids. What follows is a story of friendship, acceptance, compassion, magic and love. I think middle grade students are going to enjoy this beautifully told story.
February 9, 2024
I was looking for books that talk about eczema and ran across this nonfiction Junior adult book. The author wrote each page as a new chapter and it is actually written as poetry so the words are staggered three or four and then three or four - stanzas and lines.
It is the story of two children helping each other. One child has lost his voice because of some trauma in his family and the girl has eczema - a really bad case of eczema and stays at home because she’s called the “creature “at school.
They become friends and the story proceeds from there. It is also the story of a community and the earthquake of 1989.
It is the story of two children helping each other. One child has lost his voice because of some trauma in his family and the girl has eczema - a really bad case of eczema and stays at home because she’s called the “creature “at school.
They become friends and the story proceeds from there. It is also the story of a community and the earthquake of 1989.
September 8, 2021
This novel in verse has it all -- earthquakes, Major League Baseball, talent shows, maybe-magical clay, bagels and ube, and life-changing friendships.
Read
April 3, 2021My mixed feelings about The Magical Imperfect lead me to break my review format a bit so as to expand on some of the things I think should be discussed in more depth.
Pros:
~the dragon mailbox
~Filipino characters in Historical fiction
~magic clay
~the '89 World Series
~misfits finding friendship
Cons:
~While initially excited to see this book had main characters who were dealing with different types of disability, I was disappointed with how they were presented. There is a common thread of "how do we fix them" from the community in regards to both Etan and Malia, and while this is a realistic depiction of how religious communities often react to illness, there's no real indication that we should question that singular, limited view.
~Jewish "magic" delivers a miraculous cure-all that leads to my biggest issue with this book. Crossing the line of the magic cure trope,
Overall:
This nostalgic, character-driven story is an exploration of the isolation created by culture, disability, grief, and religion. Vulnerability, faith, and a life-altering shake-up expose the true strength of those who might otherwise be overlooked or left behind.
While cautious to recommend this book for its disability representation, I do love seeing a Historical that explores how immigrants of different origins were treated, and feel that it could lead to a lot of discussion about mental health, disability, religion, immigration, and, of course, baseball.
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions voiced in this review are my own.
Pros:
~the dragon mailbox
~Filipino characters in Historical fiction
~magic clay
~the '89 World Series
~misfits finding friendship
Cons:
~While initially excited to see this book had main characters who were dealing with different types of disability, I was disappointed with how they were presented. There is a common thread of "how do we fix them" from the community in regards to both Etan and Malia, and while this is a realistic depiction of how religious communities often react to illness, there's no real indication that we should question that singular, limited view.
~Jewish "magic" delivers a miraculous cure-all that leads to my biggest issue with this book. Crossing the line of the magic cure trope,
Overall:
This nostalgic, character-driven story is an exploration of the isolation created by culture, disability, grief, and religion. Vulnerability, faith, and a life-altering shake-up expose the true strength of those who might otherwise be overlooked or left behind.
While cautious to recommend this book for its disability representation, I do love seeing a Historical that explores how immigrants of different origins were treated, and feel that it could lead to a lot of discussion about mental health, disability, religion, immigration, and, of course, baseball.
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions voiced in this review are my own.
July 1, 2021
The Magical Imperfect is a heart-warming blend of realistic “magic” and lessons on friendship and acceptance plus tough issues like mental illness and medical conditions that manifest in physical imperfections. All this and in the novel-in-verse format that has become so popular with my middle grade readers! Main character Etan has gone mute since his mother entered a hospital to learn how to cope with her worsening mental illness. His father and grandfather are both supportive in their own way, but he is still suffering. A delivery made to the home of a former classmate gives way to a friendship that brings healing not only to Etan, but to Malia, who endures such debilitating eczema that her eyes swell nearly shut and her skin is raw enough to bleed. If that wasn’t enough, author Chris Baron incorporates a variety of ethnic groups all living together in a town built on immigrants from all over the world. Readers will learn much about the culture of many outside their usual sphere of influence. And if all that isn’t enough, there is baseball and earthquakes to shake things up a bit! Great for libraries of grades 4-8, whether those be at home, school, or in town. No profanity, violence (except what is found in nature), or sexual content
September 12, 2022
This review and many more can be found on my blog: Feed Your Fiction Addiction
The Magical Imperfect is a story about hiding---and what it means to come out of your shell. Etan has barely spoken since his mother went away to get help for her mental illness. He keeps his thoughts locked away inside where they can't hurt him. Meanwhile, Malia has kept herself (including her beautiful singing voice) hidden because of extreme exzema and the bullying she's experienced because of it. The two bond over their insecurities and soon form a fast friendship. But when Malia's skin condition worsens, keeping her from stepping into the limelight where Etan knows she belongs, he is determined to help her---using the magic of his Jewish ancestors. The book incorporates culture and religion with 80's pop-culture, baseball, and even earthquakes. And the result is wholly engrossing!
The Magical Imperfect is a story about hiding---and what it means to come out of your shell. Etan has barely spoken since his mother went away to get help for her mental illness. He keeps his thoughts locked away inside where they can't hurt him. Meanwhile, Malia has kept herself (including her beautiful singing voice) hidden because of extreme exzema and the bullying she's experienced because of it. The two bond over their insecurities and soon form a fast friendship. But when Malia's skin condition worsens, keeping her from stepping into the limelight where Etan knows she belongs, he is determined to help her---using the magic of his Jewish ancestors. The book incorporates culture and religion with 80's pop-culture, baseball, and even earthquakes. And the result is wholly engrossing!
November 18, 2021
Delightful book to read. I loved it being set around baseball but having nothing to do with baseball. Yet when your team is winning your life is kind of around it. It also brought in family and church and friendship. It was just really good. I genuinely enjoyed reading this! (Also it was cool because I remember watching that baseball game when the earthquake happened. I just felt part of the story somehow.)
January 14, 2023
Eton is a young Jewish boy living in San Francisco. Set in a fictional close community of families, the older generation of which had immigrated to the area together. While a typical pre-teen in many respects, Eton is selectively mute - and has been since his mother was checked into a mental institution. Struggling to find his words, Eton turns to drawing as a way to express himself.
While delivering some produce one day, Eton meets Malia. Well, "meets" is a bit of a misnomer, since they only talk through the slightly opened door, with Malia hiding in the shadows. However, as Eton continues making deliveries to Malia's home, the two develop a friendship, and it doesn't take long for Eton to learn that Malia has eczema and has been struggling with it for a while.
But through their developing friendship, the two learn about themselves and each other, and they also learn just how magical friendship can be.
This entire story is told in verse, with each poem doing the same work as a chapter. I did not expect this when I first started the book, and I will admit to being a little wary of a novel told in verse. I have never been one to get into poetry, as I've always felt like I'm missing something when I do read it. It's like there's some sort of missing code, and without that code, I just don't understand what's being said.
That was not the case here. Not only did the poetry tell this story in a way that traditional prose couldn't (not that traditional prose wouldn't work, just that the sparseness of the poetry served to elevate the story to something more), but it did so in a voice that truly sounded like a middle school student. Baron captured the ups and downs of pre-teens perfectly in this book.
At the same time, I really enjoyed having the story set in the fall of 1989. Though I was just days away from my 11th birthday during the major event of this book (which I don't want to give away, because the build-up to it and the action during it are really well done), because I was living on the other side of the country, I only vaguely remember hearing about it on the news. Experiencing the event through the poetry of this story brought it to life, and I agree with Mr. Cohen that baseball saved everyone.
So, to make a long review short, I definitely think this book is worth reading. I also think this could be a great book for parents and kids to read together, and the poems-as-chapters offer wonderful divisions for reading, even if there's not a lot of time for reading at one time. This is also a book that I look forward to getting a physical copy of. What about you?
While delivering some produce one day, Eton meets Malia. Well, "meets" is a bit of a misnomer, since they only talk through the slightly opened door, with Malia hiding in the shadows. However, as Eton continues making deliveries to Malia's home, the two develop a friendship, and it doesn't take long for Eton to learn that Malia has eczema and has been struggling with it for a while.
But through their developing friendship, the two learn about themselves and each other, and they also learn just how magical friendship can be.
This entire story is told in verse, with each poem doing the same work as a chapter. I did not expect this when I first started the book, and I will admit to being a little wary of a novel told in verse. I have never been one to get into poetry, as I've always felt like I'm missing something when I do read it. It's like there's some sort of missing code, and without that code, I just don't understand what's being said.
That was not the case here. Not only did the poetry tell this story in a way that traditional prose couldn't (not that traditional prose wouldn't work, just that the sparseness of the poetry served to elevate the story to something more), but it did so in a voice that truly sounded like a middle school student. Baron captured the ups and downs of pre-teens perfectly in this book.
At the same time, I really enjoyed having the story set in the fall of 1989. Though I was just days away from my 11th birthday during the major event of this book (which I don't want to give away, because the build-up to it and the action during it are really well done), because I was living on the other side of the country, I only vaguely remember hearing about it on the news. Experiencing the event through the poetry of this story brought it to life, and I agree with Mr. Cohen that baseball saved everyone.
So, to make a long review short, I definitely think this book is worth reading. I also think this could be a great book for parents and kids to read together, and the poems-as-chapters offer wonderful divisions for reading, even if there's not a lot of time for reading at one time. This is also a book that I look forward to getting a physical copy of. What about you?
May 31, 2021
Chris Baron's latest novel in verse, The Magical Imperfect, takes a look at the power of friendship and community. Set in the Bay area in the fall of 1989, we meet two young people unlikely to become friends. There's Etan, who's become selectively mute after his mother's sudden illness, and Malia, who's stopped going to school because of severe eczema. The two form a friendship in the woods behind Malia's home that leads to spiritual and emotional healing.
Baron's characters are always so likeable. Everyone in their town, from Etan's grandfather, to the other shop owners and passengers of the Calypso embody the true spirit of community. Having been around the same age of the main characters in 1989, I realized the big build up to the World Series. The very detailed way he explained the events that took place during game three made me feel as if I was literally seeing it. My heart stopped when Buddy shows up to Grandfather's shop and Etan makes the decision to go find Mrs. Hershkowitz.
My students will enjoy this historical (am I that old?) novel in verse. Now if you'll excuse me I'm going to put on some 80s music and see if I can find my old baseball cards. :)
Baron's characters are always so likeable. Everyone in their town, from Etan's grandfather, to the other shop owners and passengers of the Calypso embody the true spirit of community. Having been around the same age of the main characters in 1989, I realized the big build up to the World Series. The very detailed way he explained the events that took place during game three made me feel as if I was literally seeing it. My heart stopped when Buddy shows up to Grandfather's shop and Etan makes the decision to go find Mrs. Hershkowitz.
My students will enjoy this historical (am I that old?) novel in verse. Now if you'll excuse me I'm going to put on some 80s music and see if I can find my old baseball cards. :)
December 31, 2020
The Magical Imperfect was the perfect read to end 2020 with its themes of resilience and working together to overcome despite difficult circumstances and tragedy. I love how the author's gentle verse descriptions of even the most mundane objects like a tree or a pool of water make you feel like you've been looking at the world your whole life but not really seeing it.
For those who have read about or maybe even lived through the 15 seconds that rocked San Francisco on October 17, 1989, the certainty of that event looms on the horizon as the tension builds toward it. This slice of history as well as the discussions of immigration to Angel Island as the "Ellis Island of the West" make this a great option for adoption into classrooms.
For those who have read about or maybe even lived through the 15 seconds that rocked San Francisco on October 17, 1989, the certainty of that event looms on the horizon as the tension builds toward it. This slice of history as well as the discussions of immigration to Angel Island as the "Ellis Island of the West" make this a great option for adoption into classrooms.
May 24, 2022
Exceptional captivating novel in verse which covers a multitude of different topics and is engaging from the first poem. I recommend having kids read the author's note in the back prior to beginning the book to familiarize themselves with the 1989 San Francisco earthquake (which, yes, I remember watching on TV during the World Series). The back matter also introduces immigration, health, and social issues covered in the book. Prepared with that background information, kids should quickly get into this story and relate to the protagonists and supporting cast who are all fleshed out pretty thoroughly in the poems. There are plenty of historical issues, friend/family conflicts, and sports/arts to keep readers with different interests captivated.
July 7, 2024
I really, REALLY wanted to like this book. But the whole way through, I had to push myself to keep going. It wasn't awful or anything. I really didn't get a sense of who Etan was. It felt like he was going through the motions, kind of like I was as I kept reading dutifully.
There's SO MUCH going on. Ethan's mutism, and his faith, and his mother's mental illness, and Malia's eczema, and the earthquakes, and the World Series. And I just didn't feel any of it.
I think I'm also going to have to start passing on verse novels, at least for a little while. Too many of them don't actually feel like poetry, but just sentences that have been chopped up so that there are fewer words on the page and the book is thicker.
There's SO MUCH going on. Ethan's mutism, and his faith, and his mother's mental illness, and Malia's eczema, and the earthquakes, and the World Series. And I just didn't feel any of it.
I think I'm also going to have to start passing on verse novels, at least for a little while. Too many of them don't actually feel like poetry, but just sentences that have been chopped up so that there are fewer words on the page and the book is thicker.
July 21, 2021
Special thanks to the publisher for sending me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. 3 stars
This was a very different middle-grade read compared to what I normally pick up in this genre. It's historical fiction but also has aspects of magical realism that leant the story an even more whimsical atmosphere. It's written in verse and though the prose is simple and without unnecessary flair, it was also evocative and I could easily picture the neighbourhood form in front of my eyes. The community was diverse and there was a sense of camaraderie between all the neighbours that made the pages feel full of warmth and joy.
While I expected a touching story about the friendship between two young misfits, and we got that, it also went beyond that and there were many elements to the plot and setting that I didn't expect to find—from religious to historical and cultural, and I was see it in a MG. I was intrigued by the 80s setting in San Francisco and by the historical event that occurred during the time period of the story. What I found most refreshing though was seeing the Filipino representation in a historical setting and I was pleasantly surprised to read about the migrant journey to America from a different (non-Western) perspective! Etan's Jewish and Maia's Filipina cultural heritage also played important roles in their story and as I grew up in the Philippines, I found reading about Maia's family—her Lola and the food!—was comforting and made me a little nostalgic, too.
I found the friendship that grew between Maia and Etan to be very sweet and full of youthful optimism and joy. As their bond grows closer, Etan finds the strength in his own voice again. Maia also finds joy in being able to have someone her age who doesn't see her as "The Creature" but can look beyond her eczema to the loving, precocious and vibrant little girl she is. I really loved her sass and confidence, as well as her connection to nature and the trees surrounding her home.
Another aspect that I liked (for the most part) was the representation of Maia and Etan's disabilities—severe eczema and selective mutism, respectively. I've never read a book with these disabilities represented (whether it be adult, YA or MG) so I found it interesting to read about and have it be part of these characters. However, what disappointed me was the use of the magical healing clay as a "cure" for these disabilities to make Maia and Etan 'normal happy kids'. It made it seem like people with disabilities are not 'normal' and that you need to look and act like others to be happy. Yes, Maia wasn't 100% 'cured' by the clay but the message is still the same and it's not one that I would want any person to read and believe that they're less than because they have a disability. The topic of mental health was also explored a bit through Etan's mother but I wish it was done in more depth as it impacted Etan and his family so greatly.
Ultimately, while I might not recommend this for its disability rep, I appreciated the historical context and the representation of cultures and the immigrant perspective This was very different from what I expected after reading the blurb but I was pleasantly surprised by the nostalgic vibes it gave me. This did read a bit on the younger side of MG for me but I do think that it would be suitable and enjoyable for MG readers across all ages, even older readers such as myself.
This was a very different middle-grade read compared to what I normally pick up in this genre. It's historical fiction but also has aspects of magical realism that leant the story an even more whimsical atmosphere. It's written in verse and though the prose is simple and without unnecessary flair, it was also evocative and I could easily picture the neighbourhood form in front of my eyes. The community was diverse and there was a sense of camaraderie between all the neighbours that made the pages feel full of warmth and joy.
While I expected a touching story about the friendship between two young misfits, and we got that, it also went beyond that and there were many elements to the plot and setting that I didn't expect to find—from religious to historical and cultural, and I was see it in a MG. I was intrigued by the 80s setting in San Francisco and by the historical event that occurred during the time period of the story. What I found most refreshing though was seeing the Filipino representation in a historical setting and I was pleasantly surprised to read about the migrant journey to America from a different (non-Western) perspective! Etan's Jewish and Maia's Filipina cultural heritage also played important roles in their story and as I grew up in the Philippines, I found reading about Maia's family—her Lola and the food!—was comforting and made me a little nostalgic, too.
I found the friendship that grew between Maia and Etan to be very sweet and full of youthful optimism and joy. As their bond grows closer, Etan finds the strength in his own voice again. Maia also finds joy in being able to have someone her age who doesn't see her as "The Creature" but can look beyond her eczema to the loving, precocious and vibrant little girl she is. I really loved her sass and confidence, as well as her connection to nature and the trees surrounding her home.
Another aspect that I liked (for the most part) was the representation of Maia and Etan's disabilities—severe eczema and selective mutism, respectively. I've never read a book with these disabilities represented (whether it be adult, YA or MG) so I found it interesting to read about and have it be part of these characters. However, what disappointed me was the use of the magical healing clay as a "cure" for these disabilities to make Maia and Etan 'normal happy kids'. It made it seem like people with disabilities are not 'normal' and that you need to look and act like others to be happy. Yes, Maia wasn't 100% 'cured' by the clay but the message is still the same and it's not one that I would want any person to read and believe that they're less than because they have a disability. The topic of mental health was also explored a bit through Etan's mother but I wish it was done in more depth as it impacted Etan and his family so greatly.
Ultimately, while I might not recommend this for its disability rep, I appreciated the historical context and the representation of cultures and the immigrant perspective This was very different from what I expected after reading the blurb but I was pleasantly surprised by the nostalgic vibes it gave me. This did read a bit on the younger side of MG for me but I do think that it would be suitable and enjoyable for MG readers across all ages, even older readers such as myself.
February 12, 2022
This rich and compelling verse novel tells the story of Etan, a boy struggling with speaking after his mother goes away for medical care, and Malia, a girl with acute eczema. The backdrop is San Francisco in 1989—the year of the monumental earthquake in that region.
The earthquake serves a powerful symbol, representing the tremors that are happening in the characters’ lives. I especially loved the dynamic between Etan and his grandfather and the element of magical realism that is woven throughout the story. I am a big fan of verse novels, and this one really delivers.
The earthquake serves a powerful symbol, representing the tremors that are happening in the characters’ lives. I especially loved the dynamic between Etan and his grandfather and the element of magical realism that is woven throughout the story. I am a big fan of verse novels, and this one really delivers.
June 10, 2021
This historical novel in verse tackles deep themes (mental illness, selective mutism, severe eczema, and religion) while engaging the reader in a captivating story that never feels didactic. The friendship between Etan and Malia feels genuine and I loved how the author seamlessly wove hints of magic into a story that in less talented hands might have tended too heavily toward baseball for some readers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 231 reviews