Jupiter Storm (Seeds of Magic) - Softcover

Dumas, Marti

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1943169314 ISBN 13: 9781943169313

Publisher: Plum Street Press, 2017

Synopsis

*Special Gift Edition*Ten-year-old Jackie excels at being in charge. Her skills keep everything from gardens to five unruly brothers in line. So, when a curious chrysalis appears in Jackie’s front yard, she naturally decides to take charge of it. The creature that emerges is not like anything Jackie has ever seen, and she soon realizes that she must protect it at all costs, even from her own family. Dumas’ classic story-telling style is perfect for fans of Catherynne Valente, Gail Carson Levine. Kate DiCamillo, and the like, and the smart, female main character who loves who loves science and takes charge of her life, makes it a must-read. Ages 8-12.*Gift Edition Contains additional illustrations that create a special effect.

About this title

Review:

"A delightfully modern take on the classic storytelling style. Dumas has crafted a moving tale that will enchant children and adults alike." --Adam Maxwell, award-winning author of The Lost Bookshop series

"What I really loved most about Jupiter Storm is Dumas's intentionality around celebrating and defining #BlackGirlGenius.  According to Jupiter Storm, #BlackGirlGenius is a super smart and confident leader. She is observant of the world around her and isn't afraid to seek answers to questions she has.  She knows she is a beautiful inside and out, but doesn't need herself or anyone else to be obsessed with her beauty to let her know of this fact." --Chemay Morales-James, founder of My Reflection Matters

A fifth-grade New Orleans girl discovers a mysterious chrysalis containing an unexpected creature in this middle-grade novel.
Jacquelyn Marie Johnson, called Jackie, is a 10-year-old African-American girl, the second oldest and the only girl of six siblings. She's responsible, smart, and enjoys being in charge; she likes "paper dolls and long division and imagining things she had never seen." Normally, Jackie has no trouble obeying her strict but loving parents. But when her potted snapdragon acquires a peculiar egg or maybe a chrysalis (she dubs it a chrysalegg), Jackie's strong desire to protect it runs up against her mother's rule against plants in the house. Jackie doesn't exactly mean to lie, but she tells her mother she needs to keep the snapdragon in her room for a science project, and gets permission. Jackie draws the chrysalegg daily, waiting for something to happen as it gets larger. When the amazing creature inside breaks free, Jackie is more determined than ever to protect it, but this leads her further into secrets and lies. The results when her parents find out are painful, and resolving the problem will take courage, honesty, and trust. Dumas (Jaden Toussaint, the Greatest: Episode 5, 2017, etc.) presents a very likable character in Jackie. At 10, she's young enough to enjoy playing with paper dolls, but has a maturity that even older kids can lack. She's resourceful, as when she wants to measure a red spot on the chrysalegg; lacking calipers, she fashions one from her hairpin. Jackie's inward struggle about what to obey--her dearest wishes or the parents she loves--is one many readers will understand. The book complicates this question by making Jackie's parents, especially her mother, strict (as one might expect to keep order in a large family), but undeniably loving and protective as well--it's not just a question of outwitting clueless adults. Jackie's feelings about the creature (tender and responsible, but also more than a little obsessive) are similarly shaded rather than black-and-white. The ending suggests that an intriguing sequel is to come.
In more ways than one, a tale about young creatures testing their wings; a moving, entertaining winner.
--Kirkus Reviews

About this edition

• Publisher: Plum Street Press
• Publication date: 2017
• ISBN 10: 1943169314
• ISBN 13: 9781943169313
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 256
• Illustrator: Parcus Stephanie