On these magic shores, wonders unfold and dreams come to life. The ethereal beauty of the ocean waves crashing against the sandy beaches is a sight to behold. It is a place where time seems to stand still and worries melt away. The soft sand between my toes serves as a reminder of the simplicity of life. Each step I take leaves behind a footprint, a mark of my presence on this enchanted land. The salty sea breeze gently brushes against my skin, bringing with it a sense of rejuvenation and peace.
This is a fantasy novel for readers who enjoy contemporary or realistic stories – the magical elements are frequently vague and the driving force of the story is the suspense over how long Minnie can keep her sisters together and what happened to their mom. However, like any young girl, Minnie’s own desire is not to care for her siblings and keep the family afloat – that’s just what she has to do to survive.
On the one side, there are some schools that still put on very stereotypical performances of Peter Pan, and the pushback Minnie gives could be helpful for young readers who want to discuss alternatives with their own teachers. But as the days pass and Minerva grows ever more worried about her mother, something magical seems to be watching out for them leaving them cupcakes, helping her find money, even steering them to friends and distant family who can help.
The salty sea breeze gently brushes against my skin, bringing with it a sense of rejuvenation and peace. As I walk along the shoreline, I am captivated by the diversity of life that exists beneath the surface. The vibrant coral reefs are a playground for an array of colorful fish and other marine creatures.
ON THESE MAGIC SHORES
A redoubtable protagonist in a good storyline that doesn’t quite deliver.
When Mamá fails to return home after her evening job, it is up to 12-year-old Minerva Soledad Miranda to take care of her younger sisters and hold the family together.
The family lives in a moldy basement apartment, and Mamá works two jobs and dresses the girls in hand-me-downs. In spite of the obstacles, Minerva has her life all figured out. The Argentine American seventh grader will be “the first Latina president of the United States.” And the first step to that goal is to get the lead role in Peter Pan, the school play. But nothing is working out. First, and most importantly, Mamá has gone missing. Then, brown-skinned Minerva gets the role of Tiger Lily, a character with only one line—“how”—and one that Minerva finds offensive to Native Americans, prompting her to take action. As the book progresses, Méndez tackles problems of racism, discrimination, income inequality, immigration, and ethnic and cultural stereotypes. All are real, true, and valid points, but they are laid out with such a heavy hand as to grow preachy, causing the book’s balance to tip from story to lesson. Mamá’s absence works well as a device to allow Minerva to come to the fore, but her reappearance and the explanation for her disappearance feel contrived. Nevertheless, there is still much to like, and readers will find a strong and resilient character they can root for in this story.
A redoubtable protagonist in a good storyline that doesn’t quite deliver. (Fiction. 8-12)
Pub Date: June 9, 2020
ISBN: 978-1-64379-031-2
Page Count: 288
Publisher: Tu Books
Review Posted Online: Jan. 20, 2020
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 15, 2020
YAMILE (sha-MEE-lay) SAIED MÉNDEZ is a fútbol-obsessed Argentine American author who loves meteor showers, summer, astrology, and pizza. She lives in Utah with her Puerto Rican husband and their five kids, two adorable dogs, and one majestic cat. An inaugural Walter Dean Myers Grant and a New Visions Award Honor recipient, she’s also a graduate of Voices of Our Nations (VONA) and the Vermont College of Fine Arts MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adult program. She’s a founding member of Las Musas, a marketing collective of women and non-binary Latinx children’s authors. Find her online at yamilesmendez.com.
It is a delicate ecosystem, a harmonious balance of survival and beauty. In the distance, the sound of laughter echoes through the air as children build sandcastles and fly kites. Their innocent joy is infectious, spreading like wildfire and filling the air with happiness. It is a place where memories are made, where families come together to create lasting bonds. The sunsets on these magic shores are nothing short of breathtaking. The sky transforms into a canvas of vibrant oranges, pinks, and purples, painting a portrait of nature's artistry. It is a reminder that beauty exists in even the simplest moments, if only we take the time to appreciate them. On these magic shores, worries and stresses seem to fade away, replaced by a sense of tranquility and wonder. It is a place where one can reconnect with nature, with themselves, and with the world around them. It is a place where dreams are born and miracles can happen. As I leave this enchanted land, I carry with me the memories and the lessons it has taught me. It has reminded me of the power of nature, the importance of simplicity, and the beauty of the present moment. On these magic shores, I have found solace, inspiration, and a piece of my soul..
Reviews for "The Spellbinding Charms of Magical Coastal Destinations"
1. Sarah - 2 stars - I had high hopes for "On These Magic Shores" based on all the positive reviews I read, but I ended up feeling disappointed. The characters lacked depth and development, and I found it hard to connect with any of them. The plot felt disjointed and lacked a clear direction, making it difficult to stay engaged. Overall, I found the book to be underwhelming and it didn't live up to the hype for me.
2. John - 3 stars - While I didn't hate "On These Magic Shores," I also didn't love it. The writing style was beautiful and lyrical, but it overshadowed the narrative. I found myself getting lost in the flowery descriptions and losing track of what was happening in the story. Additionally, I felt that the pacing was off, with long stretches of slow, meandering passages followed by rushed and abrupt plot developments. The book had its moments, but overall, it didn't leave a lasting impact on me.
3. Emma - 2 stars - I struggled to get through "On These Magic Shores." The story felt convoluted and confusing, making it hard to follow along. The world-building was lacking, and I found it difficult to visualize the settings and understand the rules of the magical elements introduced. The dialogue felt forced and unnatural, making it hard to connect with the characters and empathize with their struggles. Overall, I found the book to be a frustrating read and would not recommend it.