Christina Soontornvat is an award-winning author, engineer, and STEM educator. Her many works for children include picture books, chapter books, and the bestselling graphic novel, The Tryout. She is a three-time Newbery Honor recipient, most recently for The Last Mapmaker, which was also named a Best Book of the Year by The New York Times. Christina lives with her family in Austin, Texas. Visit her at soontornvat.com.

"How much do we really know about ourselves, friends and families? Are we who we believe we are? Things aren't always what they seem and help comes from the most unlikely of places. A fun read for the middle grade group with some thought provoking themes." -- Janice Hunsche, Kaleidosaurus Books & Toys (Metamora, IN)

"This well-paced novel full of likable characters will attract fantasy lovers, especially those interested in fairies. Readers will enjoy the balance among action scenes, quieter periods of character interaction, and rich descriptions of Faerie...The concept of the Changelings--and why they're important to keeping Faerie and Earth connected--is explained in bits with an enticing air of mystery that will keep readers engaged, and an additional final surprise puts the remaining pieces in place." -- School Library Journal

"The plot is fast paced with intervals of vivid description...an engaging story with unusual twists and a thought-provoking conclusion." -- School Library Connection

"I enjoyed the world and characters that Christina created, but I enjoyed equally the relationship between Izzy and her sister Hen... Great balance of adventure, magic, and family relationships." -- Buffy Cummins, Second Star to the Right (Denver, CO)

"A wonderful story with lots of twists and turns to keep the reader guessing. You certainly can't judge a book by it's cover with this one!" -- Judith Lafitte, Octavia Books (New Orleans, LA)

"Courage, friendship, and love, sprinkled liberally with faerie dust, are woven throughout its pages...A book that belongs on the shelves alongside of the best fairy tales." -- Katy Grant, Children's Librarian, Shawnee Branch Library (Louisville, KY)

"A fantasy adventure with likable characters (and detestable ones), plenty of action, a bit of danger, and a happy ending. Incorporating a few elements of the Pied Piper legend, Soontornvat emphasizes the importance of family, whether it's the one you're born into, the one you find yourself in, or the one you create for yourself." -- Booklist

"A real page turner... Any kid who loves to read about magic will love this story." -- Susan Mikula, Children's Services Coordinator, Ventura County Library (CA)

Publisher: Sourcebooks Young Readers

Pub date: 2025-05-06

Length: 304 pages