The Moon Child

Gr 4–7—This historical fantasy, full of dark magic, is the sequel to the British import The Jade Boy, featuring a trio of young teens who battle evil sorcerers using their wits and newfound magical abilities. The story picks up soon after the events in the previous volume. Enough backstory is provided that readers new to the series won't be too confused. In Jade Boy, Jem, 13; apprentice shape-shifter Ann; Egyptian-born mind-reader Tolly; and Cleo, Tolly's pet monkey, defeated evil sorcerer Count Cazalon in St. Paul's catacombs during the 1666 Great Fire of London. Now it's 1667, and their Twelfth Night celebration is interrupted by a misshapen creature trailing a knotted tail accompanied by dancers wearing stag masks. The creatures surround Ann and magically spirit her away. As Jem and Tolly set out to rescue her, the dead count's staff warns them to "beware the shadow man who walks between worlds." Their search leads them to stow away aboard a strange ship that sails on a witch wind bound for the new colonies. The ship's owner is a one-eyed Frenchwoman with a clawed foot. She's only one of many evil creatures and strange illusions they encounter during their eventful journey. One of the secondary characters, Mingan, seems to be Native American, though the author does not specify a tribe or region. Elements of Native American mythology, including aspects of witiko tales, are used, though specific tribes or stories are not identified in text or back matter.