Legends of Lotus Island #1: The Guardian Test

Legends of Lotus Island 1 by Christina Soontornvat

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From two-time Newbery honor recipient Christina Soontornvat comes a compelling new young middle grade fantasy series for readers who love stories about animals, magic, and kids like them embracing their power to change the world.

Young Plum is shocked to discover that she’s been accepted to the Guardian Academy on Lotus Island, an elite school where kids learn how to transform into Guardians, magical creatures who are sworn to protect the natural world. The Guardian masters teach Plum and her friends how to communicate with animals and how to use meditation to strengthen their minds and bodies. All the kids also learn to fight, so they can protect the defenseless if needed.

To her dismay, Plum struggles at school. While her classmates begin to transform into amazing creatures, Plum can’t even seem to magic up a single feather! If she can’t embrace her inner animal form soon, she’ll have to leave school ― and lose the first group of real friends she’s ever known

ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1338759159
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1338759150

USA Today Bestseller

Texas Bluebonnet Master List

Green Earth Book Award

Pennsylvania Young Readers’ Choice Award List

Junior Library Guild Selection

Chicago Public Library Best Book of the Year

Good Housekeeping 2023 Kids’ Book Award

Rhode Island Children’s Book Award Nominee

EXTRAS

PRAISE

At the center of The Guardian Test is Plum a girl who’d rather stay home and garden than move away to train at a magical school. Over the course of the book, Plum realizes she has strengths and talents that not only set her apart, they set her up to become a hero.

With short chapters and engaging text, The Guardian Test is a fast-moving story of growth and friendship. It’s a great first book in the Legends of Lotus Island series, and I can’t wait to read its follow-up, Into the Shadow Mist, when it comes out this July.

Jessica @ Cracking the Cover

Favorite read aloud in a long time. Both kids 5 & 8 were invested in what would happen next. Can’t wait for the next book in the series!

Katie Pratt

Those looking to scratch their “Avatar: The Last Airbender” itch will definitely find it here: the author herself noted that she was inspired by how much her kids loved that series. This fits in the age demographic of kids who are just getting comfortable with reading but might be intimidated by dense or thick books. This is cleanly and clearly written and great for younger or first time readers.

Talvi

Soontornvat deftly combines a Thai-inspired setting, familiar fantasy tropes, and themes of nature conservation to craft a mystical series kickoff.

Publishers Weekly