Savvy by Ingrid Law

In Mibs’ family, turning thirteen is the most special of birthdays.  And Mibs is days away from turning thirteen.  In her family, almost everyone gets their savvy on their thirteenth birthday, a special power that they then need to figure out how to harness and use.  One of her brothers, Fish, has the power to control wind, and on his thirteenth birthday he created a hurricane.  That’s why they now live far far from any water in Kansas.  As Mibs’ birthday approaches, her father is in a terrible accident that leaves him unconscious.  Mibs goes from hoping for a powerful savvy that rivals her brother’s to just hoping that her savvy can help her father recover.  On her birthday, she decides she has to help her father and hides aboard a bible-selling bus.  All is fine until the bus turns the wrong way, heading directly away from the hospital her father is in.

With her delicate touch on the fantasy elements, Law has created a world where anything seems possible, a world that invites readers of all genres to enter and stay awhile.  Her setting is vivid, the characters engaging (both those with powers and without), and her writing dances along with a freshness that is wonderful to experience.  My only complaint is that it had to end.

Readers will also be sad to leave the world of Savvy behind, but will be consoled with hints at the end of following books to come.  Highly recommended as a read-aloud book for classrooms, this book will generate wonderful discussions.  I’d also happily give it to almost any reader ages 9-12.  They will thank you and wait with you for the next one.