Game World

Gr 5–8—A virtual game world called Xamaica becomes real for three Jamaican sixth graders, who embark upon a quest through a fantastical landscape laden with Caribbean mythology. Monsters, lush forests, giant talking spiders, morphing hummingbirds, ancient witches, plant people, and the overall obeah (magic) of Xamaica are vividly described, often employing the rule of three. For example, "The air smelled like parts of fish you don't eat, and garbage you forgot to take out, and armpits you had neglected to deodorize." Unfortunately, the elements of plot, character development, and pacing are not as strong. The plot fluctuates wildly, as characters' actions frequently contradict their motivations or they suddenly discover some game changer without any prior buildup. Scenes are unshaped and pile one upon the next without change in tone. On the plus side, here (finally!) is a middle-grade action novel that showcases West Indian mythology and features protagonists of color: an Afro-Caribbean boy, Hispanic-Caribbean boy who also is a wheelchair user, and a Korean girl. There may well be many readers whose drive to enjoy the novelty of this unique and vivid book will enable them to consider its flaws mere distractions.—Rhona Campbell, Georgetown Day School, Washington, DC