Dust

July 20, 2020
Claire Kenton, 19, has been searching for her missing twin, Connor, since he vanished six years ago. When a lead surfaces, she immediately follows it to London, where she learns that Connor may have been taken by Peter Pan to Neverland. Meanwhile, Peter, exiled to the real world after a catastrophe befell Neverland, hunted by Captain Hook and an army of now-adversarial Lost Boys, and agonizing over finally growing up, searches for the one person who can help him return: Claire, whose mysterious ability to generate magical dust may solve his problems. Unaware of Peter’s true identity, Claire befriends him and learns how to use her dust in order to fly. But Peter and Claire’s burgeoning relationship may not survive when the truth behind Neverland’s fate is revealed. Swanson (The Girl Who Could See) introduces a modern sensibility and maturity in this thoughtful revisiting, as Peter confronts his own checkered history and selfish actions. Claire’s own battle with depression and abandonment strengthens the emotional core. While the dark, dramatic turns occasionally feel at odds with the source material, this first installment in a duology offers an intriguing experience. Ages: 12–up. Agent: Tessa Hall, Hartline Literary.

July 24, 2020

Gr 8 Up-Claire Kenton has been searching for her twin brother since he disappeared six years ago. No one believes that he was kidnapped but Claire knows Connor wouldn't have left her. Claire has a hard time getting close to people, especially since the dust that falls from her skin killed their last foster mom. Knowing how fascinated Connor was with Peter Pan, she takes off for London, where he was last seen. Unbeknownst to Claire, Neverland and Peter Pan are real and darker than she could ever imagine. Peter Pan is stuck in London with no way of returning to Neverland and aging by the day. He spends his days hiding from the Lost Boys, who have partnered with Captain Hook and his pirates. Feeling the loss of Tinkerbell, he works with Tiger Lily to figure out how they can return to Neverland. When Peter learns about Claire and the magic living within her very skin, he knows she's the key to returning to Neverland. The problem is how much she dislikes Peter Pan, and how little she believes in herself. Claire has realistic struggles, including having attempted suicide before the story begins. The book ends on a cliffhanger, setting up for a sequel. Most of the main characters are white, and Tiger Lily has ebony skin. VERDICT This twist on Peter Pan weaves in a little romance and some action and adventure.-Natalie Struecker, Cedar Rapids P.L., IA

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