The Spirit Glass

School Library Journal

Gr 3–7—About to turn 12, Corazon Lopez is ready to learn what magical powers she possesses and begin her training. Corazon is a babaylan, a rare mortal guarding the boundaries between the human world and the realm of spirits. Her constant companion, the wisecracking Saso, is an anito (spirit of mountains, rivers, streams, and trees) who looks like a glowing blue gecko, with powers also yet unknown. Three years ago, when Corazon's parents died, she moved into the magical house of powerful Aunt Tina. Corazon despairs that she only sees her ghostly parents for weekly Saturday visits, with the aid of the soul key her mother left her, and hopes that once her powers reveal themselves, she will find a way to bring her parents back to the mortal world. The Library of Mirrors is where the two worlds collide, and the mirrors there are guarded by the powerful Librarian. When a ghost steals the soul key from Corazon, she learns she must gather blessings to lay the ghost to rest and awaken her own powers. Corazon, Saso, and their ghostly friend, Leo, must overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles to right the imbalance between the two worlds. An author's note discusses Filipino folklore and the history of babaylans. VERDICT Chokshi's tale weaves Filipino mythology and language throughout this spellbinding fantasy, creating a thoroughly original and heartfelt story of family, grief, and new beginnings.—Michele Shaw