The Republic of Birds

Ever since the War in the Skies, yagas and magic have been banished from Tsaretsvo. Olga Oblomova, 12, who loves cartography despite its male-only designation, feels out of place between her movie-star stepmother Anastasia and perfect younger sister Mira. But their lives are upended when Olga's architect father is demoted to Minister for Avian Intelligence at the Imperial Center for Avian Observation. The remote outpost separates the world of humans from the Republic, the forbidden city of birds ruled by the treacherous Ptashka III, who is intent on finding a firebird egg taken by yagas that will give her ultimate power over humans. When Ptashka's army kidnaps Mira, Olga's fascination with legendary cartographers proves useful--especially when she learns she has magic of her own. As Olga journeys into the Unmappable Blank, a place from which no cartographer has ever returned, she weighs saving her sister against her newfound powers. Miller (Elizabeth and Zenobia) crafts a Russian folklore-infused tale, augmented by excerpts from mythical history books. While the resolution feels abrupt, the theme--"If you feel you don't fit somewhere, change it until it fits you"--is movingly portrayed. Ages 10-14. Agent: Catherine Drayton, InkWell Management. (Apr.)

Gr 4-6--Olga Oblomova and her family have been exiled to a cold outpost of Tsaretsvo. Their new home is the Imperial Center for Avian Observation, which borders The Republic of Birds. In Olga's universe, The Republic of Birds has a lot of power, and relationships between humans and the birds are tense due to past civil war and political strife. Olga tries to make the best of her new life, but she's jealous of her younger sister Mira and her beautiful dancing abilities. Olga tries to connect to her sister and her stepmother, Anastasia. However, she feels pressure to hide her magical abilities as a yaga; magic is outlawed in her kingdom, and she fears being sent away to a boarding school from which no one has returned. But when Olga's sister Mira gets unexpectedly kidnapped by the birds, Olga has no choice but to tap into her magical abilities, despite the risks. What does being a yaga mean for Olga? Will she be able to bring Mira back safely? This suspenseful fantasy adventure has an engaging hero's journey plot and important messages related to female empowerment and mentorship. The world-building takes a while to develop at the start of the novel, but it's a worthwhile journey for patient young readers. Olga and her family are cued as white. VERDICT A wonderful addition to classroom or school libraries.--Margaret A. Robbins, The Mount Vernon Sch., Sandy Springs, GA