Suitcase of Stars

Gr 4–6—This delightful story stars Finley, a 13-year-old boy who lives in a small, quiet village by the ocean with his faithful dog, Patches. Finley describes himself as "the last person who would flee from scary stuff," which is a good thing since something pretty scary is coming. School is almost over and he has begun summer break early by skipping school and going fishing instead. When he is eventually caught, his punishment is to work at the local post office where he is responsible for delivering the mail. He soon meets Aiby Lily and her strange father, who have just moved to the small community. They are part of an ancient legacy involving seven families who care for, trade, and sell magical items to collectors. Finley now encounters magical items daily, such as self-propelling pants, a cloak of invisibility, flying carpets, and rock giants. Even though Finley is technically a teen, his voice and development make this book appropriate for a slightly younger audience. Overall, this is a fast-paced, clever book bogged down occasionally with a story line spread across too many pages. Readers will appreciate the short chapters; the plentiful white space; and the intricate, detailed pencil drawings at the end of each chapter showing the different magical items that the Lily family have in their shop. Although not quite as sophisticated in the characterization or plotting, this first book in a new series will appeal to fans of Tony DiTerlizzi & Holly Black's"The Spiderwick Chronicles" (S. & S.).—Lisa Nabel, Dayton Metro Library, OH