Catalyst by Sarah Beth Durst
Published by Clarion on June 9, 2020
ISBN: 035806502X
Pages: 288
Genres: Adventure, Animals, Fantasy
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads

In true Sarah Beth Durst style this is a fantasy/mystery that is sure to please.   Zoe is an almost 12-year-old girl who wants a small slice of life for herself.  Enter a tiny kitten into changing  family dynamics as well as  Zoe’s relationship with her best friend and you have the makings of a good  story.  As the kitten literally grows the human characters mature .  Aside from the plot the best part of this book is the character development.  Middle grade readers are more apt to prefer the image of a giant talking cat to the accomplishments of Zoe and Harrison.  Fantasy and mystery readers will find their own answers as they quickly turn page after page.

Add to intermediate school media centers and to public library collections where fantasy is enjoyed.   There is great content within this book to make it a good selection for book discussion groups.

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