Has Anyone Seen Jessica Jenkins?

December 22, 2014
Kessler (the Emily Windsnap books) returns to familiar themes of uncovering hidden secrets and the value of friendship. Geography class is dragging on when 13-year-old Jessica Jenkins is called out for nodding off. But what she didn’t notice—and her best friend Izzy did—is that part of Jessica’s arm disappeared while she was snoozing. Thus begins a tale that’s part mystery, part science experiment, and a big leap of faith. Through trial, error, and coincidence, Jessica and Izzy learn that Jessica can make herself invisible, thanks to a rose quartz necklace given to her by a family friend, the midwife who helped deliver her. The plot becomes even more labyrinthine as circumstances reveal that a secret serum reacting with various crystals has imbued other kids with powers like levitation and mind-reading. Though the suggestion of supernatural or magical elements intrigues, the strained explanations Kessler uses to ground her story slow her storytelling and diminish the book’s lightness of tone. A somewhat ambiguous conclusion hints at potential additional adventures for this newly formed group of friends/superheroes. Ages 8–12. Agent: Catherine Clarke, Felicity Brian Literary Agency.

January 1, 2015

Gr 4-6-Eighth grade seems pretty normal to Jessica Jenkins until the day her best friend Izzy tells her she started going invisible during geography class. The two girls work hard to find out how and why this is happening and in the process discover that there may be other kids who have developed superpowers. The explanation for these powers is science-based and surprisingly believable, considering the fantasy aspects of the story. Jessica and her newfound allies struggle to come to grips with the changes not only in their own capabilities but in their relationships with each other and those around them. It all comes to a head when Jessica and her friends discover that the source of their powers are threatened. The mix of kids from different backgrounds and social groups makes for an interesting look at the challenges of crossing cultural and social barriers. A light, fun read that is sure to be popular among fans of Kessler's other works, including the "Emily Windsnap" and "Philippa Fisher" series (both Candlewick).-Heidi Grange, Summit Elementary School, Smithfield, UT

Copyright 2015 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

November 15, 2014
Superhuman powers. The best thing ever-or a total nightmare? Jessica Jenkins and her best friend, Izzy, work to investigate her newfound ability to become invisible, which first occurs spontaneously in geography class. Why does she have this power? How does it work? Who else has these powers? Luckily, invisibility helps the sleuthing process, as Jessica sneaks into a laboratory while Izzy distracts its genius doctor. Discovering ties to her mom's best friend, Nancy, and a beautiful necklace Nancy gave her on her 13th birthday, Jessica begins to unravel the mystery. Kessler (A Year Without Autumn, 2011, etc.) often explores themes of friendship, and this book is no exception. The mystery that the girls must solve provides the frame for stretching their minds about relationships as well. Could popular girl Heather also have superpowers? What about their brilliant friend Tom? The lighthearted tone of the book allows readers to suspend disbelief about the pseudo-science behind all of this, but questions of medical ethics and commercial corruption remain key to the story. Readers not yet ready for teen thrillers should warm to this unlikely band of new friends who solve this easy-to-read "scientific" mystery with no adult intervention. (Fantasy. 9-12)

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July 1, 2015
Thirteen-year-old Jessica can clear her mind and become invisible--a cool trick for any teen, but what's causing the power? The investigation involves Jessica's best friends and two classmates pulled in by their own "slightly superhero" powers; the mystery centers on a secret serum, crystals, and a money-hungry bad guy. An enjoyable romp, even if the science fiction is thin.

(Copyright 2015 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)