 | Secret Library Author: Magoon, Kekla | |
| Price: $23.28 | ||
Summary:
Since Grandpa died, Dally's days are dull and restricted. Starved for adventure and release, Dally rescues a mysterious envelope from her mother's clutches, an envelope Grandpa had earmarked for her. The map she finds inside leads straight to an ancient vault, a library of secrets where each book is a portal to adventure. Soon she's visiting every day to escape the demands of the present. But the library has secrets of its own.
Reviews:
Kirkus Reviews (+) (03/15/24)
School Library Journal (00/04/24)
Booklist (02/15/24)
Full Text Reviews:
School Library Journal - 04/01/2024 Gr 4–7—Delilah "Dally" Peteharrington is grieving the loss of her beloved grandpa, who provided some respite and fun from her mother's strict schedule to prepare the biracial 11-year-old for the family business. The enigmatic map he left just for his granddaughter sends her on a sojourn into the city, with the destination being a secret library only a chosen few can enter. Jennacake, the librarian, shows her that the secret library is a place of secrets. By selecting books that give her a particular word, feeling, or date in time, Dally enters a fantastical adventure through her family's history. Reminiscent of entering Narnia, the secret portal in this middle grade fantasy takes readers on an engaging journey through time and place, unfolding generations of experiences both delightful and concerning. Dally's introspective nature means she recognizes her privilege and this encourages readers to reflect upon the secrets unveiled. The nonlinear plot takes place across varied periods in time, propelling readers into situations involving friendships, family, slavery, pirating, theft, colorism, LGBTQIA+ profiles, gender discussions, and the pure joy of spending time with someone gone eternally. Humor breaks up the heavier topics, and the character duo of Dally and fellow traveler Jack is particularly endearing. A twist near the end will solicit assorted reactions and makes for a fantastic writing prompt for tweens. VERDICT Magical and reflective; a first purchase for stronger readers.—Lisa Krok - Copyright 2024 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.
