  | West of the sea Author: Willing, Stephanie | |
| Price: $23.28 | ||
Summary:
When her mom disappears from their small Texas town, paleontology-loving Haven is determined to find her. But as she uncovers truths about her mom's identity, she also uncovers a monstrous family secret. Her mom can take the shape of a human and, in the right environment, also turn into an amphibious creature known as a kitskara. This newfound identity is her only clue to help her track her mother and bring her back home.
| Accelerated Reader Information: Interest Level: MG Reading Level: 4.50 Points: 10.0 Quiz: 520914 |
Reviews:
Kirkus Reviews (06/15/23)
School Library Journal (08/01/23)
Booklist (07/23/23)
The Hornbook (00/09/23)
Full Text Reviews:
School Library Journal - 08/01/2023 Gr 5 Up—Palentology-loving Haven, 12, is fascinated with fossils and bones, so much so that one dry summer she knows she saw something that was not part of nature—at least, not of current nature. Living in a small town in Texas with her family, she has a carefree life as a typical girl. One day when her mom does not come home, she knows something is not right and is determined to find her. As her journey starts, she uncovers secrets that she and her mom share the ability to turn into amphibious creature called the kitskara. With this discovery, Haven, joined by sister Margie and friend Rye, sets off to find her mother and seek answers to understand herself, as she really is. This is a coming-of-age story for tweens who love mythology and fossils, that shows how growing up is always going to be awkward—but no one is alone in that transition. Willing gives clues to Haven's quest not only to find her mom, but to discover how she fits in her family. The book is heavy with paleontology terms that would be suitable for older middle grade students. VERDICT This adventure novel with heart will have kids rushing to learn more about the ancient creatures featured throughout Haven's journey. Recommended.—BreAnn Weeks - Copyright 2023 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.
Booklist - 07/23/2023 Haven lives on a farm, loves old sci-fi movies, and just found out she can turn into a salamander cryptid with gills and a tail. Seeing the ghosts of prehistoric megafauna might not be so bad if her mother were around, but Mom hasn’t been herself lately—and she went missing last night. Haven, her sister, and new-kid-in-town Rye “borrow” a food truck to find her. As Haven endeavors to accept and control her new abilities, she must also learn to accept what she cannot control about her mother’s depression. Part road trip adventure, part family reckoning, Willing’s debut ambitiously approaches loss, mental illness, identity, neurodivergence, and adolescence and successfully explores those topics with compassion and depth. Though Haven’s supernatural abilities occasionally feel disconnected from deeper themes, the overall impact of her journey of discovery and forgiveness is satisfying. Haven’s prehistoric encounters will appeal to paleontology fans, while authentic dialogue and introspective narration will appeal widely. Sincere characters, vivid descriptions, and inventive fantasy elements make this Texan twist on the selkie myth a fun and rewarding read. - Copyright 2023 Booklist.
