Spark by Sarah Beth Durst
Published by Clarion Books on May 14th 2019
ISBN: 1328973425
Pages: 320
Goodreads

Preteens living in Alorria are tasked with caring for and bonding with an egg as they wait for the storm beast to hatch.   Within this society it is the young people and their dragon storm beast who control the  beautiful weather.  Readers will learn of political and environmental barriers to the truth as the well-defined characters  face both social injustice and climate change.  Twelve year old Mina is a fascinating youth, although shy Mina is intuitive and strong.   Relationships between students and one special teacher are tight, the characters respect each other and take pride in their own abilities and those of others.

Spark stands up for the somewhat quiet and exposes one girl’s journey to self-awareness.  Young readers will learn from the cast of characters as they enjoy a rollicking good read.  Public and middle school librarians will want to add this new title to their collections.  Gift to strong but quiet readers and fantasy lovers.

Submitted by Jan Hamilton, retired youth services librarian in Scarborough, ME