Caroline Kusin

United States

Writer at School Library Journal

Writer at Freelance

Featured in: Favicon

slj.com

Articles

The Invocations

Jan 1, 2024 | slj.com | Ashley Grillo |Caroline Kusin

Gr 9 Up–A dark, twisty occult novel about three outcast teens, each drawn to magic for reasons beyond their control. Jude Wolfe, daughter of a billionaire, longs to find a witch to undo the self-inflicted curse that rots her soul and body. Zara Jones is new to magic and is not even sure it exists, but her sister was murdered and the only way she can heal from that pain is to try and resurrect her.
Eagle Drums

Dec 8, 2023 | slj.com | Elizabeth Nicolai |Caroline Kusin

Gr 3-6–In this novelization of a traditional Iñupiaq tale, a boy named Piŋa is out hunting alone when approached by an eagle who transforms into a man. Following this eagle, he spends a year and a half learning new skills such as drumming, singing, dancing, and building large shelters. Those skills add to the thorough knowledge of survival and respect for animals that he has learned from his parents.
Elf Dog and Owl Head

Nov 24, 2023 | slj.com | Hilary Tufo |Caroline Kusin

Gr 3-5–Anderson brings to life the magical world found in Mount Norumbega, in this stand-alone novel. Clay O’Brian is tired of the virus that has forced him to stay home away from friends and enjoys the time he spends in the wilderness exploring. When elf-dog Elphinore is locked out from her home beneath the mountain, she comes across Clay in the woods and their adventures together begin.
The Eyes and the Impossible

Sep 22, 2023 | slj.com | Dave Eggers |Michele A. Shaw |Caroline Kusin

Gr 3-7–Johannes, a free dog in an urban park by the sea, runs so fast that humans are blind to him. He is the “Eyes” of the park, and each day he is tasked to report the happenings he sees to the Bison. Meredith, Samuel, and Freya are the elderly bison who must protect the Equilibrium of the Park and watch out for problematic people, known as Trouble Travelers. Johannes’s narration is imbued with humor, complete with exaggerated and sophisticated vocabulary.
The Collectors: Stories

Sep 1, 2023 | slj.com | Allie Stevens |Caroline Kusin

Gr 9 Up–An astonishingly all-star cast of authors take extremely creative interpretations of the idea of collections and collectors in this volume of strange stories. These are 10 of YA’s most beloved writers including King, the anthology’s editor.
Nigeria Jones

Aug 3, 2023 | slj.com | Caroline Kusin

Gr 9 Up–Nigeria Jones, daughter of a Black nationalist and freedom fighter, has never known a life outside the Movement. She’s dutifully and willingly played the role her father groomed her to play, that of a warrior princess. She cares for her little brother Freedom, leads the Youth Group, helps build the Freedom School, adheres strictly to veganism, and mentors new residents of the Village House. Yet a year into her mom’s disappearance, she begins to waver.
The Many Assassinations of Samir, the Seller of Dreams

Apr 1, 2023 | slj.com | Daniel Nayeri |Dana West |Caroline Kusin

Gr 4-8–This delightful adventure along the 11th-century Silk Road opens with its 12-year-old narrator, Omar (soon called Monkey), fleeing for his life from the monks who had once sheltered him. Monkey is saved by Samir, a merchant traveling in a caravan, who buys him from the monks for six bolts of silk. Monkey joins Samir in his journey to Samarkand and begins to learn Samir’s tricks of the trade.