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This novel touches on sensitive and tragic moments in history and gives them fantastical remediation for a provocative, immersive read.
— Kirkus Reviews
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“Fans of Grace Lin will love this wholly original book that reads like a fairy tale. A moving and thought-provoking choice for library collections.
— School Library Journal
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A Crack in the Sea is a moving work of conscience and a numinously magical journey. Trust this book.
— William Alexander, National Book Award–winning author of Goblin Secrets
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Bouwman weaves together these stories of freedom and escape with a deep sense of respect and emotion, bringing the reader directly into each family’s search for a safety that transcends both time and space.
— Booklist
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Bouwman ably weaves these threads together into a curious, haunting whole that references oppression, family, magic, and a human desperation for safety that transcends time and place. . . . Detailed black and white illustrations invite contemplation and work well to highlight key moments in the novel, adding artistic flair to the already lyrical story.
— BCCB
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Fantasy fans will be drawn into this story and find it hard to put down.
— School Library Connection
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[C]onstantly engaging and enlightening.
— BookPage
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“[T]his book will captivate readers who like their fantasy spiced with real-life drama.
— Common Sense Media
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This complex, compelling, and thoughtful novel begins in 1978 on Tathenn, a fantastical island world. . . . Bouwman has done her research well . . . keeping her young characters’ journeys—physical and emotional—front and center. Their tenderness, fierceness, bravery, thoughtfulness, and goodness highlight themes of family, leadership, and telling of history. . . . Shimizu’s vivid interspersed black-and-white illustrations . . . add to the drama of the storytelling in this original and engrossing book.
— The Horn Book
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“Through the captivating interwoven tales of these three sibling pairs…Bouwman crafts a moving narrative about family, magic, morality, the power of storytelling, and the cyclical nature of history.”
— Publishers Weekly (starred review)
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“Constantly engaging and enlightening.”
— BookPage
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“Bouwman weaves together these stories of freedom and escape with a deep sense of respect and emotion, bringing the reader directly into each family’s search for a safety that transcends both time and space.”
— Booklist
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“This novel touches on sensitive and tragic moments in history and gives them fantastical remediation for a provocative, immersive read.”
— Kirkus Reviews
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“Bouwman has done her research well…keeping her young characters’ journeys—physical and emotional—front and center. Their tenderness, fierceness, bravery, thoughtfulness, and goodness highlight themes of family, leadership, and telling of history…Original and engrossing.”
— Horn Book Guide