The Magical Imperfect

Synopsis:

“For fans of Wonder, Chris Baron’s The Magical Imperfect is an affecting middle grade story of two outcasts who become friends…

Etan has stopped speaking since his mother left. His father and grandfather don’t know how to help him. His friends have given up on him.

When Etan is asked to deliver a grocery order to the outskirts of town, he realizes he’s at the home of Malia Agbayani, also known as the Creature. Malia stopped going to school when her acute eczema spread to her face, and the bullying became too much.

As the two become friends, other kids tease Etan for knowing the Creature. But he believes he might have a cure for Malia’s condition, if only he can convince his family and hers to believe it too. Even if it works, will these two outcasts find where they fit in?”

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Review:

Picking up this book during Mental Health Awareness Month was a complete act of coincidence, but it tied together so well. Although this book is considered (wince) historical fiction, its focus on mental health is as relevant as ever. Especially, as the pandemic has affected so many people’s mental health. Etan’s mother was his go-to person to talk to about school, friends, his thoughts and feelings, and without her, his voice has all but disappeared.

Malia’s severe case of eczema has forced her to be homeschooled as kids took bullying to the extreme. When Etan and Malia meet, they both see each other as outcasts and yet even with few words and shadowed glances, they became fast friends.

I love a book that can show relationships that are tricky, sticky, difficult, fulfilling, loving, important, and terrifying all at the same time. And Chris Baron is an author who does it in so few words. Written in verse, The Magical Imperfect shares each characters’ feelings so well. You can feel empathy for them as you read their stories. And it’s not just Etan and Malia’s feelings, but those of their family members, the neighbors, and friends. With far fewer words than a typical novel, it’s amazing how much feeling each word needs to convey, but Chris does this expertly.

I wasn’t expecting a touch of magic in this story, but I love how the magic stems from Etan’s family’s Jewish history and how he also combines it with the magic of Malia’s own world to make something even more powerful. But in the end, it’s not the magic that changes how Etan feels, it’s how he grows in confidence through helping Malia and also through the support she gives him.

Verdict:

A story that is full of heart in the midst of a tumultuous time for our main characters both internally as well as within their community during the San Francisco Earthquake in 1989.

If you’re interested in purchasing The Magical Imperfect by Chris Baron, please use my affiliate links for Bookshop.org or Amazon.com. When you purchase from either of these links, I will earn a commission as an affiliate.

Need to Know:

Title: The Magical Imperfect
Author: Chris Baron
Publisher: Feiwel and Friends
Publication Date: June 15, 2021
Page Number: 336 pgs.

I received a digital copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.