
Reach for this book when your child is beginning to question their own history or feels overwhelmed by the responsibility of doing what is right even when it is difficult. This urban fantasy follows two children, Sarah and Carlos, as they race to save their city from a permanent, frozen darkness threatened by an ancient pact and a greedy villain. It is a story about the weight of secrets and the power of young people to protect their community. The narrative explores themes of resilience, the complexity of truth, and the importance of teamwork. Its unique hybrid format, blending traditional prose with Brian Floca's dynamic illustrations, makes it an accessible yet emotionally resonant choice for middle-grade readers. Parents will appreciate how it frames individual bravery as a necessary component of civic duty, while also touching on the personal discovery of one's own heritage and identity.
Children are chased by a villain and face the threat of a city-wide deep freeze.
Atmospheric descriptions of a dark, frozen city and the mysterious Kurbs.
The book deals with parental secrets. Sarah's origin story is revealed through fantastical metaphors (her connection to the Kurbs). The approach is secular and mythological. The resolution is hopeful and empowering, as Sarah embraces her unique nature to save others.
An 8 to 11 year old who loves urban mysteries or graphic novels, particularly a child who feels isolated or struggles with self-doubt and needs to see that their unique abilities can make a difference.
The book can be read cold, but parents might want to discuss the importance of community cooperation and the idea that everyone has a role to play in keeping society functioning. The Kurbs' power source is a metaphor for the interconnectedness of society, which might be worth exploring with your child. The villain, Mr. Underton, is a caricature of greed that might prompt questions about why people choose to be 'evil.' A child asks difficult questions about their family's past that the parent isn't yet ready to fully explain.
Younger readers (8-9) will focus on the high-stakes race and the 'cool' factor of the subway setting. Older readers (11-12) will better grasp the nuance of the social contract between the city and the Kurbs and the emotional weight of Sarah's discovery.
This is a rare, successful 'hybrid' book. Avi and Floca use a cinematic, storyboard-like layout that provides the visual engagement of a comic with the narrative depth of a novel. """
In a fictionalized New York City, a yearly ritual maintains light and heat provided by the mysterious Kurbs. When the villainous Mr. Underton steals the 'Power' (hidden within a subway token), the city faces eternal winter. Sarah and Carlos must retrieve the token, navigate the city's depths, and uncover Sarah's hidden connection to the Kurbs to save their home.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
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