Maybe It's a Sign

Narrator Jennifer Sun Bell deftly portrays a believable grieving family through the voice of seventh grader Freya June Sun. Bell's brisk pacing matches the short, active chapters recounting the events that take place after the recent death of Freya's father. Freya, a talented violist, adheres strictly to her father's Chinese superstitions and is constantly seeking signs or omens of his posthumous approval. Whenever she encounters what she believes to be bad omens, Bell conveys Freya's anxiety. Bell's youthful voice is well suited to Freya, as well as her often sulky older sister; their mother, who sounds equal parts kind and tired; and Bell's perky friend, Gus Choi. Though the family is grieving, the story's tone stays upbeat as the solid bonds of family and friendship hold fast. L.T. © AudioFile 2024, Portland, Maine

April 1, 2024

Gr 4-6-Thirteen-year-old Freya began playing the viola to please her father. Since his death eight months ago, there have been significant changes in her life, but she insists on believing in all his superstitious signs-because that means he isn't truly gone. When she notices two red birds, she's convinced Dad's finally sending a clear message to continue to play. But she also really enjoys creating in the kitchen, even though she's forced to work with Gus, "the most annoying kid," for their cooking class project. Though, maybe Gus isn't so awful either. Versatile Bell empathically embodies family loss and middle school anxiety, nimbly modulating between unsettled Freya and clumsy Gus. She's especially facile switching between teens and adults, her agile narration instantly adding and losing decades. VERDICT Shen and Bell provide a healing read/listen.

Copyright 2024 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.