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Monday, May 20, 2019

Spark by Sarah Beth Durst

Standalone
Publisher: Clarion
Published: 5/14/19
320 p.
Source: From author for review

When a shy girl and her dragon-like companion discover their country’s idyllic weather comes at a steep—and secret—cost, they recruit fellow students to defy authority and attempt to spread the truth. 
Storm beasts and their guardians create perfect weather every day, and Mina longs for a storm beast of her own. But when the gentle girl bonds with a lightning beast—a creature of fire and chaos—everyone’s certain it’s a mistake. Everyone but Mina and the beast himself, Pixit. Quickly enrolled in lightning school, Mina struggles to master a guardian’s skills, and she discovers that her country's weather comes at a devastating cost—a cost powerful people wish to hide. Mina’s never been the type to speak out, but someone has to tell the truth, and, with Pixit’s help, she resolves to find a way to be heard.
My thoughts:

This was a cute MG book that can be enjoyed by all ages. I think this would also be a great book to read to the smaller kids as there is nothing in it that is too mature. The protagonist, Mina, is a shy girl who finds the strength within to right a wrong she finds within her world. She also does not seek fame but is content to let others shine as be a part of the heroic acts. Her humbleness really makes her even more of a hero and also shows that even the smallest voice can find her (or his) way into making a great impact.

If you need another reason to read or share the book, it is also a fun fantasy with dragons as besties! Would that be a beastie bestie? LOL Seriously the dragons also have great personalities and aren't pets but neither are they the heros of the story. They are a great sidekick who can encourage when needed and are just big scaly lovebugs.

I give this book 4 1/2 stars and really do recommend it to everyone who loves a cute story with a girl who finds her own strength. I also love that it has consequences of convenience and teaches that even if you don't suffer the consequences, you still are responsible for them.
🐉 

34 comments:

  1. I haven't read a MG in a while but it looks good and you made me curious about the dragons too

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  2. This looks fun and I like MG reads every now and then!

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  3. *gasp* I love this author!! Added to the TBR!!!

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  4. I will have to get this for my Risa. She is ten and an avid reader, I think she would like this.

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    1. Oh I think she would really enjoy it. I think you will too!

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  5. This looks great! And yes, a dragon bff is #lifegoals

    Karen @ For What It's Worth

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  6. Dragons as BFF..I am totally jelly :) This sounds great!

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    1. Me too! :) Might be a good nana book when they are older. :)

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  7. Oh I miss the days my son was a voracious MG reader and we'd share stories. This sounds so great and the cover is cute! Now he's reading Catcher in the Rye. *sigh*

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    1. If he wants a light fantasy... otherwise you could always library book it. ;)

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  8. This might be good to read with my daughter! Sounds cute!

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  9. A solid them and a dragon bestie? I'd read it, but I can see the appeal for younger readers, too. :)

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  10. I always love picking up wonderful standalones and have been meaning to read more middle grade books too so yay that this book is both <3 Wonderful review Melissa :)

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  11. Aw, this sounds like a cute one. I love MG reads, and Mina sounds like someone I could relate to (as a kid and now!) And yes, dragons!!

    -Lauren
    www.shootingstarsmag.net

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  12. I do love dragons... I'll recommend this one to my son. He's always on the hunt for new books.

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  13. I like MG on audio, it works perfectly for me there

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  14. i love dragons and have been into MG lately :D this has been on my radar so awesome to see such a good review

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  15. I've been really curious about this one, so I'm happy I stumbled across your review! I'm always looking for new MG books to read to my son, and this one sounds amazing. Also! Dragons! Something he and I both love, haha.

    Lindsi @ Do You Dog-ear? 💬

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  16. I love the cover to this one, it would draw any reader into it!

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Thanks for commenting! I ❤ comments!