kaistephan's reviews
49 reviews

A surprisingly complex and layered story in a bit-sized package. Jules is not the most reliable narrator, but is observant enough for the reader to see what is going on around the edges; she has a youthful naivete and pretension that is charming rather than irritating, brimming with energy and humor. The magic is beautifully done, spectacular and subtle in turns, with a unique logic that still retains plenty of room for mystery. 

I never thought that essays could be poetry but this book has fundamentally changed the way I think about writing.

A fun adventure with a vivid setting and a heroine with a strong personality. The magic is unique and vibrant, less systematic and more intuitive, like a fairy tale. 

As a nonbinary person, I am always excited to see nonbinary rep in kids books, but this one felt like the authors were so determined for Riley's gender to not be the focus of the story that they ended up with no focus of the story. There are over ten different named characters in a 64 page book. There is an entire chapter of just name-dropping other queer-friendly kids books. There's no narrative arc or emotional payoff - Riley thinks of a costume, Riley makes a costume, Riley and their friends show off the costumes. It might be a good escape for a queer kid who wants representation without the angst, but it plays it so safe it's closer to boring than uplifting.

It's a fun, fast-paced, plotty adventure but the author has not examined a single unconscious bias in her life.