Spark by Sarah Beth Durst
This middle grade novel focuses on the country of Alorria and the storm beasts that help create perfect weather conditions for everyone to enjoy. The main character, Mina, is a quiet and shy girl, who dreams of being a guardian to her storm beast that is about to hatch. Chaos ensues when her egg hatches into a lightning beast, which are known for having rowdy and reckless guardians. Mina’s family is unsupportive of her desire to stay bonded with her lightning beast and causes Mina to doubt her ability to be a successful guardian, once she arrives at school to begin training.
This book discusses how it feels to be an introvert in a world of extroverts. It also shows the importance of learning how to find your voice and that it is okay to use it differently from those around you.
Throughout the book, Mina learns that you can be a leader, even if you do not look or act the way you would expect a leader to be. She also learns the importance of standing up for what is right and encouraging others to do the same.
This book is great for children in 4th-8th grade, who love Fantasy and Adventure. This may be a fun read for fans of Wings of Fire, Warriors, and Percy Jackson.
Find it on the shelf at FDL, as well as in ebook format on the Boundless or hoopla apps.
- by Alyssa Young, Youth Services Assistant