The Other Side of Luck

Johnson's story is sweetly satisfying, particularly excelling at stunning descriptions of sensory awareness . . . . the moving and compelling quest underscores the universality of human struggle and the power of friendship to pull each other through.

Gr 3-7--In the city of Antiquitilla, two children are born. Julien is a pauper, son of a collector of herbs, berries, and flowers; his mother died during his birth. Una is a princess, daughter of the Magister Populi, rich in her mother's love until she, too, loses her mother during the birth of her brother. Their fathers' grief manifests very differently. Julien's Baba becomes overprotective and set upon teaching his son the gift of collecting botanicals. Una's father withdraws, his sorrow ending all joy in their house. Each child possesses a rare gift. Julien cannot smell but can hear the quietest of sounds, like flowers unfolding and or tree limbs and the stretching of tree limbs. Una has the gift of smell; she can sense the smell of her father's laughter and the fragrance of sunlight, but she is desperate to hold on to the scent of her mother before it disappears. When Una's father remarries and declares a great reward to anyone who can find the elusive Silva Flower, which he mistakenly thinks was his wife's favorite, the two children, now 12, meet and set out to earn the reward. Their journey will be fraught with deception, danger, and heartache. But each child will grow in strength and courage and use their gifts to discover their own destiny. This imaginative, descriptive fantasy will engage fans of stories of quests, fate, and the love of family. The writing is enchanting, blending the culture, customs, and history of an imagined world with the simple tale of a father's love. Chapters are narrated by both Julien and Una, allowing readers a glimpse into the uniqueness of each child's gift. Exquisitely detailed writing draws readers into the sounds and smells that surround the characters, leading this story of adventure and imagination to a satisfying conclusion. Una is described as having dark skin, while Julien's skin tone is not described. VERDICT A wonderful addition to a fantasy collection. Perfect for students who enjoy multicultural, timeless adventure stories.--Carol Connor, Cincinnati P.S., OH

Copyright 2021 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Johnson's (The Splintered Light) lyrical novel, set long ago in the fictional city of Antiquitilla, centers two motherless friends with extraordinary senses who were born on the same day. Una, who perceives through scents, is the eldest child of Antiquitilla's ruler, the Magister Populi. Julien, who understands the world through sound, is the only child of a gifted but poor botanist, Almus--once chief gardener to Una's late mother. Una's mother lived until the girl was six, dying in childbirth with Una's brother, who is marked to become the next Magister; Julien's mother died during his birth. The families grieve differently: Una's father's anguish is so overwhelming that he ignores his daughter's sorrow and loneliness, while Julien and his father are bound deeply in love. Circumstances bring the children together when they are almost 12, and they join forces on a difficult quest for a unique flower that is also desperately sought by others. Johnson tenderly depicts their growing friendship, as well as Una's memories of her mother, and the bond between Julien and his father. While a concluding event seems somewhat facile, it brings about well-earned results for both children, who each come to a mature peace with their loss. Ages 8-11. (July)

Copyright 2021 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

"Ginger Johnson's debut novel is like a deep dive into a world-within-a-world, a heart-within-a-heart. Be prepared for revenge, jealousy and betrayal. But prepared also for beauty, light and joy." —Kathi Appelt, Newbery Honor winner and National Book Award finalist, on THE SPLINTERED LIGHT

"I adored The Splintered Light! The joys of the senses and the glories of creation shine in this radiant debut." —Julie Berry, Printz Honor author of THE PASSION OF DOLSSA, on THE SPLINTERED LIGHT

"Ginger Johnson's debut is as vibrant as the colors her characters wield in this novel about creativity, collaboration, and creation." —Megan Frazer Blakemore, author of THE WATER CASTLE and THE FIREFLY CODE, on THE SPLINTERED LIGHT

"Charming . . . the book undertakes a delicate exploration of family ties and belonging." —Foreword Reviews

". . . a captivating feast for the senses. Johnson describes sights, smells and sounds in exquisite detail . . . . Immersive and sensitive, The Other Side of Luck will be enjoyed by middle grade fantasy readers in search of a story full of magic and heart." —BookPage

"A gorgeously built world that asks readers to plumb the nature of creation." —Kirkus Reviews on THE SPLINTERED LIGHT