Anatopsis by Chris Abouzeid has already been reviewed across the kidlitblogosphere.  But I never got around to reading it until now despite all of the stellar reviews it received both online and in print.   I am not going to provide a detailed review, but I will say that this fantasy for older elementary and teens is vibrant, unique and impossible to put down.  The balanced nature of the magic in the novel is a unique feature as is the fact that magic takes an awful toll on the world around it.  Anatopsis is a great heroine, who makes mistakes that cost her and the ones she loves dearly.   Abouzeid’s writing is familiar and accessible.  Amazingly, reading his writing is like returning to a favorite author although this is his first novel.  His writing is simply, joyously readable. 
Share this one with teens who enjoy fantasy.  Good readers in elementary school can also be encouraged to read this because there is no content that is worrisome.  Both boys and girls will enjoy the story.