Magical realism

Where the Forest Meets the Stars by Glendy Vanderah “Recently, I was able to check off a bucket list goal when I watched a meteor shower,” says Kristina Mastrocola, FIRST Senior Editor. “Longing for that kind of starry escape again, I was drawn to this magical story.” Reeling from her mother’s death, researcher Joanna Teale retreats to the forest to study birds. Then a girl called Ursa appears, claiming to be from a faraway planet in search of five miracles. To find out more, Joanna joins forces with her neighbor, Gabriel, and the trio form a bond. Raves Kristina, “This tale showed me that real miracles are also here on Earth—in the connections we make with each other.” (Lake Union, 2019)