Wayfinders

December 4, 2023
After biracial (Black and white) 13-year-old Chloe’s mother leaves to take care of her ailing parent, Chloe discovers a host of mythological beings seeking refuge on her family’s farm. Having been displaced from their world by a devastating fire that drove them through a portal, the creatures—which include Fable the unicorn, Adrina the mermaid, and Baxley the giant—must find a new route home. Chloe enlists her father, who is navigating unspecified mental health challenges, to convoy their unlikely guests across the state in the family’s old Winnebago and horse trailer. The journey is anything but smooth: vehicular trouble, a run-in with the police, and the logistics of transporting a mermaid quickly descend the trip into chaos, especially after a witch-led biker gang desiring Fable’s magic begins pursuit. Chloe and her companions are rarely able to catch a breath in this fast and frenetic tale by Chick (the Secret Zoo series). By slowly unveiling details of Chloe’s recent traumatic past and placing her acute loneliness and sorrow into further context, Chick balances this madcap adventure with earnest emotion, and sensitively explores living with family members managing mental illness. Ages 8–12. Agent: Mark Gottlieb, Trident Media Group.

January 26, 2024

Gr 5 Up-This action-packed fantasy novel fails to make its mark. Seventh-grade protagonist Chloe, who is Black, is grieving the loss of her beloved horse and equestrian hobby. She feels like she has no support from her parents, especially her dad, who is struggling with anxiety and OCD-like behavior. Just when Chloe thinks her life can't get more unrecognizable, a mermaid, dwarf, giant, and unicorn appear in her backyard. These fairytale creatures were driven out of their universe by forest fires and need Chloe and her father's help to return. As they contend with a magical motorcycle gang, curious mortals, and car trouble on their journey to save the creatures, Chloe and her father must face their fears and traumas. Despite the adventurous premise, the novel suffers from poor pacing-the creatures arrive at the very beginning of the novel, prompting the quest and its nonstop action. The characters face obstacle after obstacle, which feels tiresome and repetitive. The pacing also severely limits opportunity for exposition, deep character development, and processing time for readers. VERDICT A promising concept that unfortunately does not live up to its potential. Not recommended.-Maria Bohan

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