The Guardian Test (Legends of Lotus Island #1) (Hardcover)
March/April 2023 Kids Indie Next List
“Plum wants to stay with her grandparents, taking care of their garden and animals. But when she is called to join the Guardians, she learns more about herself and her strengths. This book is for kids who love adventure, magic, and nature.”
— Alissa Hugel, Folio Books, San Francisco, CA
Staff Reviews
It’s no secret that Rumpians adore Christina Soontornvat, but this new series makes us love her even more. Geared toward readers not quite ready for the more difficult themes or long page counts that can be found in some middle grade books, Legends of Lotus Island has the rich world-building of Le Guin’s Earthsea books, and the charm, comedy, and action of Avatar, The Last Airbender. Book two will be out soon, too, and book three next spring!
Timothy
— From Staff Picks: Intermediate
Plum and her friends are traveling to the misty Bokati Island. There they will study with the mysterious Guardian Master Em, who is the keeper of the ancient forest there. The field trip comes just in time for Plum, who still can’t figure out why she’s so different from the other Novices on Lotus Island.
At first, Plum doesn’t know what to make of this quiet and sometimes gloomy place. But it doesn't take long to discover that Bokati is brimming with an incredible array of fascinating animals and plants.
When an unseen force begins to destroy the trees, putting the entire ecosystem at risk, Plum and her classmates must spring into action. Plum is determined to help, even though she's hiding secrets about her own Guardian powers from even her closest friends.