Opportunity Knocks

Since everyone else seems to have already found "their thing," Persian American Lila Moradi works to figure out what she's "meant to be great at" in this light wish-fulfillment fable from Farizan (Dead Flip). The 11-year-old begins playing triangle in the small school band, but when budget cuts threaten the program just as she feels that "my dings are really making an impact," she determines to raise money. Her efforts to get a loan fail to pique the bank's interest, but on her way out, she finds a small wooden box on the floor, and an old bronze key inside. At home, the box's inscription begins to glow, and a golden door appears. When she turns the key, Lila finds that she has summoned Felise, who grants wishes and says she will stay for seven days. Though Lila is skeptical, Felise proves true to her word, facilitating many wonderful occurrences, including Lila's winning contests to help secure funds for the school music program. But the wealthy industrialist who lost the box is after it, and his recovering the object would turn good luck to bad for Felise as well as Lila and her loved ones. Friendship proves the most magical element in this briskly told, gently humorous exploration of interpersonal bonds, helping the protagonist to both discover her interest and develop her confidence. Ages 8-12. Agent: Susan Ginsburg, Writers House. (Feb.)

Gr 3-7--Middle schooler Lila Moradi, 11, with pronouns she/her, has just found her niche in the school band, but now the music program's funding has run out. When she discovers a small wooden box with a poem and a mysterious key, her first thought is that it might be a cherished relic and there will be a reward--she could use the money to save the band. But the magic key reveals a gold door and after she reads the poem, magical Felise appears, declaring herself Opportunity, or Lady Luck. Felise assures Lila she will bestow luck upon her and Lila quickly does find good fortune--until she encounters Mr. Mammonton of Mammonton Industries, a maker of dangerous technology like sentient drones. He's angry and he wants his key back. When Lila loses the key, calamity begins. Will Lila restore calm and get her true wish, to not only to save the band but also to find a place where she belongs with friends who understand her? This is a fun, lighthearted story that explores tween angst and the desire to fit in. Readers will be rooting for Lila, while yearning for their own wish-granting genies. VERDICT A solid addition for fantasy-inspired middle grade collections.--Lisa Gieskes