Miya T. Beck

Feb 22, 2024 | publishersweekly.com | Miya T. Beck |Kate Hosford |Shivaun Plozza |Crystal Bell

Miya T. Beck. HarperCollins/Balzer + Bray, $19.99 (272p) ISBN 978-0-06-323824-4After stepping through an ancient brass mirror and magically appearing in Heian-era Japan, an outcast 12-year-old must decide whether she wants to return home. Aspiring writer Yuki Snow, who is half Japanese and half white, hates her new life in Santa Dolores, Calif.

Jun 29, 2023 | audiofilemagazine.com | Miya T. Beck

Sura Siu narrates this fantasy featuring gods and creatures from Japanese religions and folklore. Pearl-diving twins Kai and Kisha become separated when a ghost whale swallows Kisha. The Dragon King befriends Kai and starts her on a supernatural quest to save her sister. Siu creates a pensive Zen mood with a slow, soft speech pattern. She individualizes the characters with attitude rather than distinct voices. Through words and tone, the listener hears that Kai is impulsive, brave, and proud.