Rainbow Crystal follows a journey of a 10 year old girl named Seraphina. Her new friend Josie Lee instantly becomes very close with her and they go together on a journey. The story shifts between reality as we know it and then this magical world with unicorns and other magical creatures that need saving. Can Seraphina fulfil being the hero that she is destined to be? Themes explored in the book are - adventure, loss, finding one self, belief system (religion). So this might be something to take into account before passing the book onto your younger ones but everything is dealt in a very thoughtful manner. I would say this is a suitable read for children 7 year old and up.
I loved the perspective that the book took on loss. Even though the main protagonist does lose her friend she actually learns how that person is always going to be in her heart and watching over her no matter what and I think that is such a beautiful message. The voice of the main character seems very authentic and she has thoughts you would expect a child to have in a position that she is in. I also liked the realistic portrayal of the parents in the story - children and YA books sometimes tend to depict adults (and parents specifically!) as the villians but here we see the family dynamic as it should be - complex but still loving and understanding which I think is also a great message for children reading the Rainbow Crystal. The book is very whimsical and magical and offers its readers a world that they can escape into. The story has definitely an addictive quality for its younger readers. The writing style is appropriate for the age range and the narrative flows well throughout the story. If you are looking for a children's book that offers something different this is the one to reach out for! 4,5/5
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This book has exceeded expectations. I might go as far to say it is one of my favourites this year (and yes we had lots of amazing books come out). It just left me feeling like I am being actually understood. You know the sensation you get after having a coffee with a friend and updating them on how your work sucks and that the guy that you like doesn't like you back, and they patiently nod and drink their latte whilst you pour your heart out? The book follows a young women Keiko. She starts working in a store after graduating and that is how she defines herself. With all the expectations that are put on her she finds a solace in this rather mediocre setting. I expected to be asking myself questions such as why doesn't she strive for more in her life? Why is this what she has chosen? However to my surprise I did understand it. This story is full of philosophical ideas and notions about how society should work, works and doesn't work. Keiko might not be a protagonist that is heroic, slays the dragon or a feministic icon. But she knows what she wants even when everyone in her life is telling her that she should be the exact opposite of what her aspirations are and i find that somewhat inspiring. Without giving too much away I can say that this book perfectly sums up the millennial generation - with all its potential and set backs. It cleverly comments on how expectations can be a downfall rather then a push forward that the person thinks you need. Overall the writing style was very good and to the point.
What did you take away from Keiko's story? RATING: 4,5/5 |
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