Common Sense Media Review
By JK Sooja
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Cool ideas, ok execution, some violence in fantasy future.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
In SNOWGLOBE, Chobahm is chosen by a famous director to be a new actor. By being chosen, she gets to live a lavish life in Snowglobe, a dome like structure that is the only warm place in a world that has long been frozen over with sub -50 degree temperatures. But being chosen comes with some curious requirements, some of which might throw her into a world of scandal, conspiracy, and danger.
Is It Any Good?
There are some cool ideas in this post-apocalyptic young adult fantasy novel, but not all of them come together in the end. While the world of Snowglobe is intriguing, the logic of this world falters at times. How do the magical mirrors work? What's up with the prison? Why aren't more people hip to the shady mechanisms that keep particular inequities alive? Some of the incongruities tend to happen abruptly, like when the first instances of brutality occur, even though they aren't described in horrific detail, their casual mention can come off as a severe and sudden tonal shift that might confuse some readers.
But despite these issues, the world of Snowglobe is inventively conceived, even if not expertly described or explained. The characters are compelling, including Chobahm, and it is with her that this story will either satisfy or disappoint. The initial mystery and intrigue of what is going on and who is behind it is well constructed and interesting enough to pull readers through most of the story, and they'll be eager to see how and if Chobahm can succeed in her goals. The ending might feel a bit rushed, but with a second installment on the way, the world and story will hopefully be more fleshed out soon.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about violence in young adult fantasy novels. Was there anything about the violence in Snowglobe that shocked or surprised you?
How does Chobahm show courage, curiosity, and empathy? How do these character strengths help her unravel the truth about the Snowglobe?
Was the world of Snowglobe believable? Was it captivating? Why or why not?
Would you have made the same decisions as Chobahm? Why or why not?
Were you satisfied with the ending? What, if anything, could have made it more effective for you?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Science Fiction
- Topics : Friendship
- Character Strengths : Courage , Curiosity , Empathy
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Delacorte Press
- Publication date : February 27, 2024
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 12 - 17
- Number of pages : 384
- Available on : Paperback, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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