Quintessence

I received this galley through NetGalley.

Alma is the awkward new kid in town. Her parents love her and fuss over her, but Alma just wants to feel like herself again and stop having ‘episodes.’ A flier for a school astronomy club captures her imagination like nothing else in months, and sets her on a path to start making friends as she investigates a strange falling star.

I was bothered at first by how the kids are prodded together in a way that, under non fantasy book circumstances, would be really creepy. But I loved the divergent personalities of the kids and the book was an incredibly fast, fun read once they came together. There is a strong message of empowerment. Alma suffers from debilitating panic attacks. As magical as the show more book is at times, this isn’t a book about miracle cures. Really, one of the things I enjoyed most was that the book made an effort to balance genuine science with a sense of magic. One didn’t cancel out the other. I enjoyed Quintessence more and more as I read through, and the end left me with a big smile. show less

I very much enjoyed this magical realism novel about Alma Lucas, a middle-grader who struggles with anxiety, but is determined to save a fallen star (a "Starling"). The Starling reminds me of the movie "Stardust" though that fallen star is healthy and acerbic as opposed to the failing child Starling. I love the diverse characters: Alma, fearful, creative, determined; Hugo, confident with science, but socially unsure; Shirin, outgoing, popular, open to new people, loyal; Dustin the "bad boy" who's trying to be good; the ShopKeeper, a wise old gnome-like being. I love the village of Four Points with its organized layout of directions and elements: First Point - North - Deep Downs - Earth; Second Point - East - Peak - Air/Wind; Third Point show more - South - Forest - Fire; Fourth Point - West - Spring - Water; Fifth Point - Center - Tower - Sky. I love the structure of the story, of Chapters within titled Parts such as "The Quintescope" and each of the four elements. Finally, I love the theme of quintessence. We are all filled with quintessence, we need only look within and acknowledge our trues selves, our soul-ness. But we cannot do it alone. We need the support of family and friends to grow our quintessence. So says the Shopkeeper and so I believe. show less

This middle grade read tells the story of how four misfits find their true strengths. They work together to help a fallen star get back to the heavens. In the process, they learn to work together, to cope with unfamiliar situations, to rely on others, and to use their hidden talents to solve problems..

Kids who enjoy learning about astronomy will find something to like about this story. The fantasy aspect will also appeal to those who want a bit of unreality and magic in the mix.

I received this book from the publisher and from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own.

It wasn't as good as I'd hoped (based on the summary and the cover), but I am outside the targeted age range. I probably would have loved this in 4th grade or so. It looks long, but the chapters are extremely short.

My blurb: “A wildly imaginative tale full of wonder and hope that is grounded in our everyday world and the very real problems that today’s children face."