Spark by Sarah Beth Durst - ADVISABLE

Spark by Sarah Beth Durst, 320 pages. Clarion (Houghton Mifflin), 2019. $18.

Content: G (some danger)

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

The country of Alorna enjoys perfect weather every day, aided by the storm beasts and their riders. Mina’s family is certain her egg will hatch to be one of the gentler beats - wind, rain, sun, or snow.  But in her secret heart, Mina wants a lighting beast. Which is just what hatches. But even when she and her beast are off to train at the Mytris Lightning School, Mina’s self-doubt hinders her, her beast, and her group mates.  When a training exercise goes awry because of Min’s insecurities, she stumbles upon an incredible and dangerous secret about the hidden costs of their beautiful weather.  Can she get anyone to listen to her —- in time?!

Spark is similar to many middle grade fantasy books.  It absolutely a fine read, it just doesn’t contain that magic quality that makes it great. You should certainly get this in paperback for schools with large groups of fantasy readers — or even a few voracious ones.

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS