Seagarden
Plotting the Stars #2
by Michelle A. Barry
Fantasy
Mystery
Science Fiction
* * * Stars (Pretty good)
Myra and her friends saw their secret moon garden destroyed when it was discovered. They’ve started another one, but it’s not ideal. What’s worse is that Myra’s Botan magic seems to be going wrong when she tries to use it (something to do with the trauma of what she experienced with the previous garden). They’re still scheming – trying to find out what happened to other Botans, like Canter’s mother; trying to find a way to make seeds and plants acceptable again (Earth was taken over by murderous plants – that’s why humans had to leave); trying to solve the food crisis (the manufactured food they’ve been eating has reached the end of its usefulness – can’t clone anymore), etc. And the answers to their questions may be on Venus. So, it’s awfully convenient when an exchange program between the academies on Venus and the Moon is announced. If they can get there, they may be able to solve everything. It’s not as straightforward as all of that, however. They discover much more than they’d bargained for and are, in turn, DISCOVERED. A very unexpected ending!
This second book takes a little time to get going, but once the kids get to Venus the action really ramps up. Although not completely necessary, it’s nice to have read the first book before diving into this one, so you have the background of all the characters and understand where they are coming from. For grades 5-8.
Reviewed by YA Librarian
