Here Where the Sunbeams are Green

Here Where the Sunbeams are Green by Helen Phillips follows sisters Mad and Roo who have traveled to Central America to find their father who is a bird expert who wrote a strange letter to Roo.  As soon as they land they notice that things in the Lava Bird Volcano area are very strange.  The sisters will use their magic and their smarts to solve the mystery and save an endangered bird whose very existence is important to the safety of the community.

This is a delightful and magical book.  I loved Roo and Mad who are both strong female heroines who were complex and interesting.  The green message of the book was fantastic and one that kids will enjoy.  While I did have problems being engaged at the beginning of the book the vague creepiness that was evident kept me hooked and I was glad that I kept with it.  The story was original and magical.

Appropriateness:  There is no adult content in this book and it is more creepy than scary.  There is a bit of romance in a does he like me way that is appropriate for a young middle school character.  I would recommend this book to readers 9-14

Review Copy provided by Amazon Vine