Wildcat Fireflies

Gr 9 Up—In this sequel to Meridian (Delacorte, 2009), Meridian is learning what it takes to be a Fenestra, one who helps souls pass from life to death. With the help of her protectors Tens and Custos, she sets out to find others like her. They enter the town of Helios and meet Joi, a friendly waitress who helps them get acclimated to their new surroundings. At the same time, Juliet, a 15-year-old orphan, works to make a nursing home that doubles as an orphanage a haven for all who dwell there. She comforts the younger inhabitants and helps the older ones pass to the next life. She struggles, always questioning her worth. The head mistress neglects and mistreats everyone. With the help of local townspeople, Meridian, Tens, and Custos help Juliet learn of her Fenestral roots and eventually convince her of her true calling. At the same time, other forces threaten the Fenestras. While readers may have a hard time understanding the flow of the book at first due to the dual first-person accounts, sticking with it is well worth the effort. An intricately woven web of crossing paths leads to a beautiful tale of self-discovery, self-acceptance, communication, family, trust, and love.—Kathryn Kennedy, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, GA