The Last Fallen Star: Gifted Clans, Book 1
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this book.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that The Last Fallen Star is the first book in the Gifted Clans series by Graci Kim. It's a middle grade fantasy adventure that merges Korean mythology and folklore with a modern setting -- in Los Angeles' Koreatown. It stars Riley, an adopted and non-magical younger sister who's about to turn 13. She's grown up an outsider -- the metaphor of difference and how it has impacted her sense of identity and belonging is strong. She's endured lots of unfair treatment because of being different, including being called names and not being considered for things (invisibility). Riley's journey is all about finding out what family, sisterhood, friendship, and identity mean. Riley's world is full of cool elemental magic, mysterious creatures, ghosts, and spirits, and a worthy cause to fight for. Some encounters with scorned spirits who haven't fully crossed over into the afterlife might be scary for younger readers, as might the tiny beating human heart in a vial that is a magical representation of Riley's sister, Hattie. Language includes one "badass" and a few instances of "butt" and "boob." Some middle graders tease a peer for having a crush on another student.
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What's the Story?
In THE LAST FALLEN STAR, two Korean American sisters set out to help make one of them feel more included in their magical community. Younger sister Riley is adopted and non-magical, and because of this she's endured teasing, harassment, and even prejudice for not being a "real witch." But Riley and her sister plan to find a secret forbidden spell that will make Riley magical for good. Sounds like a simple plan. What could go wrong?
Is It Any Good?
This middle grade fantasy novel is fun, well-told, and inspiring. The Last Fallen Star features an ambitious fantasy world layered on top of a modern setting, magic, spells, cool creatures, celestial goddesses, and a fantastic girl hero to root for. The story combines Korean history, myth, and folklore with a modern world of magic, and each witch -- male or female -- harnesses their magic in different ways. But like so many heroes before her, Riley is different. Adopted and non-magical, she has felt like she doesn't belong her entire life. Her journey of identity and belonging will speak to many Asian American kids (and many kids generally) who feel similar to Riley because of being Asian or in any other way "different." The story is slow to find its feet, but once it does, hold on. Once Riley's journey properly begins, this book is hard to put down. By the end of her journey, Riley will redefine what it means to be family, to belong, and to be a hero. The story packs a decent emotional punch as well.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Parents can talk about mixing modern ideas of magic with Korean mythology. Did you like the magic in The Last Fallen Star -- the different kinds, the different means of generating it, and the history behind it? How does it compare with other kinds of magic in other popular fantasy books that also have magic?
Why do you think the author made the main character Riley an adoptee? On one hand it justifies her secret origins. But what else might making Riley an adoptee do for the story?
If you were given the chance at being magical but it was incredibly risky, would you still go for it? Why or why not?
Book Details
- Author: Graci Kim
- Genre: Fantasy
- Topics: Magic and Fantasy, Adventures, Brothers and Sisters, Friendship, Great Girl Role Models, Middle School
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Rick Riordan Presents
- Publication date: May 4, 2021
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 8 - 12
- Number of pages: 336
- Available on: Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
- Last updated: May 20, 2021
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For kids who love strong girls and Asian characters
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