Tempest

Gr 8 Up–Convincing teen drama fits neatly alongside a high-stakes chase through a shadowy realm of magic. Sixteen-year-old Veronique is a fish out of water, moving from her sheltered country household to the overwhelming rhythms of life with her aunt’s family in New Orleans. But Veronique holds a secret: she’s been hiding her ability to control the wind from almost everyone. At her Aunt Eve’s, she transitions from being utterly alone with her grandma to a full life with family, friends, and bustling city crowds. Amidst settling in, Veronique gradually learns about other powerful element manipulators—folks who command earth, wind, fire, and water. Ibura (When the World Turned Upside Down) adds honest angst to themes of self-acceptance and forging one’s own path in the world. Amplified by the heightened world of powerful humans, Veronique’s struggles will resonate with teen readers. Ibura seamlessly weaves fantastical features into modern society, making both the natural and supernatural completely believable and creating something that feels vibrantly possible.