Transcendent

Gr 10 Up—An inspirational story about finding the strength to believe in oneself. Iris Spero is a high school student in New York City preparing to start her senior year when a terrorist attack on Disney World shakes the nation. Not long after the tragedy, a stranger arrives on her doorstep seeking help. This visit exposes a secret about Iris's existence that is nothing short of impossible. Hurt and feeling lost, she finds an unlikely friend and confidant in Zane, a cynical homeless teenager. Together they unravel the past and try to discover who they are while dealing with the growing pressure for Iris to produce a miracle. This thought-provoking follow-up to Detweiler's Immaculate does well as a stand-alone. The main characters are multidimensional and relatable, adding an authentic feel to this contemporary tale of magical realism. Romance is sprinkled throughout but is not a major theme. Instead, the focus is on familial and social issues that plague today's society. Although slow to start, the novel picks up momentum with each passing chapter, leading to a page-turning conclusion.