The Alchemy of Letting Go

by Amber Morrell (Author)

The Alchemy of Letting Go
Reading Level: 4th − 5th Grade

A young scientist finds a magical way to escape death, but can't escape her emotions.

Twelve-year-old Juniper Edwards can't stop chasing the endangered butterfly her sister died trying to catch. In her grief, Juniper finds comfort in her family's study of insects, because science is based on logic, order, and control. But then Juniper's search for the butterfly nearly kills her, too, and when she wakes up with newfound abilities, she discovers that the line between science and magic--and life and death--is not as solid as she thought. With the help of her mysterious neighbors, Juniper tries an experiment to change things back to the way they were. Its result will force her to face the fact that some things are way beyond her control.

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Publishers Weekly

Seventh grader Juniper Edwards and her big sister Ingrid used to love studying insects together, but two years after Ingrid's death by drowning, Juniper has become obsessed with entomology. Moreover, she is determined to capture the butterfly that Ingrid most wanted for their collection--the rare Palos Verdes Blue, which lives in the coastal watershed near their Southern California home. After Juniper almost drowns during her pursuit, her rigorous scientific understanding of the world is shaken as she manifests powers that can bring dead flora and insects back to life. The discovery of magician neighbors--and the idea that she can approach her newfound affinity scientifically--lead to her taking on the practice with zeal, a singular goal in mind: reviving Ingrid. Juniper's magic often feels convenient--she becomes magically adept with frustrating ease--but the ramifications of her choices deliver profound emotional moments throughout. Twining matters magical and scientific in straightforward prose, Morrell's contemplative debut handles the complexity of grief with a deft touch while addressing serious ethical questions around life, death, and the responsibilities of power. Juniper and her family cue as white. Ages 9-12. Agent: Travis Pennington, Knight Agency. (Mar.)

Copyright 2023 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

Review quotes



Classification
Fiction
ISBN-13
9780807549377
Lexile Measure
660
Guided Reading Level
-
Publisher
Albert Whitman & Company
Publication date
April 27, 2023
Series
-
BISAC categories
JUV039030 - Juvenile Fiction | Social Themes | Death & Dying
JUV013070 - Juvenile Fiction | Family | Siblings
JUV029010 - Juvenile Fiction | Nature & the Natural World | Environment
Library of Congress categories
Families
Family life
Grief
Ability
Siblings
Novels

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