Quintessence

Description: Middle-schooler Alma Lucas goes on a quest to return a fallen star to the sky, and along the way discovers friendship, magic, and the strength of her own soul.

Brief description: Jess Redman is the author of The Miraculous, Quintessence, and The Adventure is Now. She currently lives in Florida, with her family. Visit her website to learn more!

Review Quotes:

"A fanciful adventure with a rich emotional core and a fairy tale flair. An emphasis on Alma's mental health and circular thought patterns proves an effective complement to the story's magical elements, as her new endeavor and friends grant her the resilience to navigate her needs. Reminiscent of Neil Gaiman's Stardust, this is a clever, entertaining story with its own distinct identity." --Publishers Weekly

"Redman's writing shines [in] the portrayal of Alma's mental health and its effect on her sense of self and on those around her. . .Reassuring, especially to kids struggling to articulate their own feelings in the face of lingering stigma about mental health." --The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

"A wildly imaginative tale full of wonder and hope that is grounded in our everyday world and the very real problems that today's children face." --Megan Frazer Blakemore, author of The Story Web

"A magical, wondrous book. . .The story is beautifully written and gave me chills almost constantly--with that magic-just-around-the-corner feeling." --Gillian McDunn, author of Caterpillar Summer

"As bright and magical as a falling star, Quintessence is a beautifully told story that collided with my heart and set it aglow." --Heather Kassner, author of The Bone Garden

"While firmly grounded in real-world issues, Quintessence shimmers with the perfect amount of magic. Redman's deft, sympathetic portrayal of anxiety, a welcome and important addition to the middle grade canon, blends with scientific references to astronomy that are sure to engage young readers. Well-rounded, relatable, and resilient characters working together in a captivating setting make this the perfect read for fans of STEM and the stars." --Sarah Baughman, author of The Light in the Lake