Publishers Weekly
02/26/2024
After stepping through an ancient brass mirror and magically appearing in Heian-era Japan, an outcast 12-year-old must decide whether she wants to return home. Aspiring writer Yuki Snow, who is half Japanese and half white, hates her new life in Santa Dolores, Calif. Her stepfather tries too hard to befriend her, her real best friend doesn’t talk to her anymore, and the kids at her mostly white school think she’s a know-it-all and ignore her. Her only confidante is Momo, the shopkeeper of a Japanese antiques store, home to a mirror supposedly belonging to Japanese writer Sei Sho¯nagon that acts as a portal to her world. When Yuki steps through, a sleek, elegant figure appears—Sho¯nagon herself—and nominates Yuki to participate in a high-stakes poetry contest. In Sho¯nagon’s Japan, Yuki meets like-minded people and finally feels as if her creativity is being seen and appreciated; however, she can’t help but wonder about life back home. Taking inspiration from The Wonderful Wizard of Oz and Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, Beck (The Pearl Hunter) writes a steadfast, imagery-driven fantasy teeming with Japanese lore. Poetic and punny text and themes of evolving friendships and parental loss ground this fantastical read. Ages 8–12. (May)
From the Publisher
"A steadfast, imagery-driven fantasy teeming with Japanese lore." — Publishers Weekly
"Beck gradually and deftly reveals the cracks hinting at a sinister truth thanks to the strong worldbuilding. A quiet, enjoyable fantasy with a dark twist." — Kirkus Reviews
"Beck returns with a middle-grade fantasy destined to appeal to fans of poetry, Japanese folklore, and Alice in Wonderland." — Booklist
Praise for THE PEARL HUNTER: "Filled with elements of Japanese culture, including myths and legends, this is an exciting, fast-paced adventure with lots of twists and turns…. Readers will want to dive into this story full of magic and adventure." — Kirkus Reviews
“Supernatural entities from Japanese mythology propel a young pearl diver on a perilous mission in this immersive otherworldly fantasy…. With a painstakingly built world and a strong emotional thrust, Beck’s vivid, fierce-hearted debut fleshes out a flawed, memorable protagonist alongside fearsome mythical creatures.” — Publishers Weekly
"The engrossing story whisks readers into a world of magical possibilities along with real-world conundrums. Enchanting Japanese folklore and detailed settings are woven into a high-stakes adventure with a twist ending that will leave readers hoping for more. A terrifically transporting tale of familial love and the power in finally stepping into your identity." — Booklist
"The elegant prose is descriptive, and the fictional world, inspired by eleventh century Japan, is rich with Japanese myths and legends... the book will especially find an audience with fans of Erin Entrada Kelly and Grace Lin." — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
