My Imaginary Mary by Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, Jodi Meadows
Series: Mary, #2, #2
Published by HarperTeen on August 2, 2022
ISBN: 0062930079
Pages: 496
Genres: Adventure, Fantasy, Romance
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads

Three established female authors have created the Lady Janies series where they reconstruct the past and concentrate on historical people. Mary Shelley used to day dream about her suitor prior to becoming a feminist. Ada Lovelace Byron has a compelling personality which matched her strong desire to make her way by building automated creatures and beings. Ada is driven to introduce herself to her missing and irresponsible father, Lord Byron. Together these three authors and two young women mesh into a strong bond. Magic, poetry, and storytelling are components of this stand-alone series entry. Enough backstory is provided to enable readers to build attachments and to identify with characters within the pages of My Imaginary Mary. Although fantasy is the primary genre, this is a story of betrayal, romance, and self-discovery. Beyond the existence of fae powers and evil scientific experimentation, this read offers adventure and surprise.

My Imaginary Mary will appeal to literature and history teachers and their high school students. Middle grade readers who appreciate fantasy as well as adventure will want this Lady Janies series title for personal enjoyment. Librarians in public and school facilities should add this title to their collections. It is recommended that the previous three titles in the series be added to library shelves as well.

Reviewed by Jan Hamilton, retired children’s librarian