This book was very interesting and well-written, and the tie-ins to astronomy made it a fun and informative read. The characters were well-developed and relatable, and the connections it made between modern science and ancient beliefs were facinating. I hope they come out with a sequel!

Quintessence was a lovely middle grade book full of magic but grounded in real life situations. Alma is a young girl who moved with her parents to a new town, where she began experiencing episodes, or panic attacks. Her parents encouraged her to "acclimate," although they did not really know how to help her do so. Luckily, Alma came across a flyer for an astronomy club, where she met Shirin and Hugo and later Dustin. Together, they embark on a quest to find the true elements and save the starling.

I loved how each of the kids represented one of the elements - water, wind, earth, and fire. Alma comes to learn that quintessence is the 5th element and it is what happens when all four elements unite. Alma feels that she is losing herself, or her Alma-ness. What she needs to feel herself again is quintessence.

Although it is slightly unrealistic to have middle schoolers running around in the middle of the night, this is a magical book after all! I loved how each element was found and how the kids eventually helped one another through their own issues in order to save the starling.

This is a book that I would share with my 10 year old and hope to be able to at some point!

I enjoyed Redman's previous book, The Miraculous, but I enjoyed this one even more. I would categorize this as magical realism. Alma is facing some very real emotional issues. I wish that Redman had addressed and named Alma's "episodes" earlier in the book, but I do respect that maybe that was part of Alma coming to terms with them. I enjoyed meeting all of the supporting characters, and I appreciated their depth. All in all, an enjoyable read, and I'd recommend for upper elementary who are looking for a friendship story with a touch of fantasy.

Quintessence by Jess Redman is a middle grade book that holds the reader right to the end. The book deals with friendship, families and panic attracts as some of its main themes. There is a strong fantasy element within the novel that binds the four middle schoolers together in a quest.

Alma and her family have moved to a new town. And when the story starts Alma is alone and trying to find a way to “fit” in, but mostly she is having panic attacks everyday at school. She is struggling to find her way. Luckily, she finds a sign listing a new club called Quintessence about astronomy. She was given a special telescope and that first night she uses it, she sees a star falling to the ground. Between the new club and new friends all looking for the starling that fell. Alma is beginning to find her way.

I liked that although the main character Alma seems so unhappy, it is clear her family does care deeply for her. I liked how four diverse characters had to bond. I liked the quirkiness of the storyline and the joy the ending brought me.

Quintessence by Jess Redman is a good read for the middle grades.

Middle grade fantasy. Alma reluctantly moves with her family to a new town. She has not embraced the new town, shutting herself off in hopes that it will help her avoid panic attacks. But one day, she sees a flier advertising astronomy club. She timidly enters the science lab after school, where she meets Hugo, Shirin, and Dustin. Though Dustin seems to be a bit of a bully, the other three hit it off right away. Soon they find themselves on a quest to find true elements (earth, air, water, and fire) and save a fallen star. It depends on creating quintessence, the fifth element. This story started off a bit slow, but when it picked up I was hooked. This is a fun story about working together, accepting friends who are not perfect, and finding your you-ness.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the chance to read a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Quintessence, by Jess Redman is about Alma Lucas, a shy, scared, lonely girl who is encouraged by her parents to assimilate into her new home of Four Points. But all she wants to do is hide. One day, on a walk around town, she finds a curious shop called Fifth Point. Inside is a curious man who collects curious objects. One such object is a quintescope and he lends it to her as he sends her out to, “Find the elements. Grow the Light. Save the Starling.” This sets Alma on a journey of friendship, growth, and discovering her true Alma-ness as she attempts to send a fallen star back to her home in the sky.

This is a magical book. To be honest, I wasn’t sure in the beginning if I would like it, but once I got into the voice and the writing style, I was totally invested and along for the ride. I cheered for Alma and cried for her at the end. It’s a fantastic story of learning who we are and that the best way to learn and grow is by walking the path with the people who love and care for us.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group for the review copy of this book. I requested this book because I loved Jess Redman’s book Miraculous, and couldn’t wait to read more from her! Jess Redman’s elegant prose does not disappoint.

Alma is a middle schooler struggling with severe anxiety and striving to find where she belongs. In her quest to find out who she is, she meets Hugo and Shirin, and discovers the inside of Fifth Point - the mysterious store where no one ever makes a purchase.

Quintessence is filled with strong themes of friendship, discovery and forgiveness with a splash of magical realism that will keep you turning the pages until the end. The characters are enduring and relatable. I love this book and cannot wait to share it with my students!

Absorbing middle grade read centered on friendship, coming into one’s own, and teamwork, with just the right bit of fantasy. Alma is struggling with panic attacks, a move to a new town, and parents who are worried and protective. A visit to The Fifth Point and a gift of a quintescope from The Shopkeeper begins an adventure and forges unexpected friendships. But can they complete their quest in time?

Stardust with kids? I definitely got those vibes, in the best way.

Quintessence is the story of a young girl named Alma, who finds herself in a new town, a new school, having panic attacks, and alone. She also has felt like she was losing her Alma-ness. That is until one day, her life changed because of a flyer for Astronomy club, and the odd ShopKeeper, who gave her a sort of telescope with a message to find the Elements, grow the light and save the Starling. That night, she sees a star fall out of the sky, but it wasn't an ordinary star. It was a person. It is up to Alma, and her new friends from Astronomy club to save this star, and send her back home.

Quintessence was a fun read, full of friendship, acceptance, and finding ones self. My favorite thing about this book is that it touched on mental health in adolescence. I think a lot of kids, and adults, who read this will be able to relate to Alma's anxiety, and the feeling that you are weak and a disappointment for having these attacks. With the help of her new friends, Alma learns that this is not true. The author did a wonderful job describing what it is like to live with panic attacks and learning to deal with them. There is a really great quote that spoke to me while reading and it said, "All you can do is tell your truth, ask for help, and do the things that make you feel like yourself." I loved this quote, and I plan on using it as a reminder for myself.

I really loved this book. It was so entertaining, uplifting, and quirky. It also had it's serious moments where I cried because I felt what was going on, on a personal level. I would definitely recommend this book for children and adults alike.

This book is perfect for anyone who feels like they are too small to make a difference. There aren't many books written about the struggles of living with anxiety - especially while in middle school - so Alma's story will resonate with anyone who deals with anxiety and imposter syndrome and hopefully let them see that they are not alone.

This middle grade read tells the story of how four misfits find their true strengths. They work together to help a fallen star get back to the heavens. In the process, they learn to work together, to cope with unfamiliar situations, to rely on others, and to use their hidden talents to solve problems..

Kids who enjoy learning about astronomy will find something to like about this story. The fantasy aspect will also appeal to those who want a bit of unreality and magic in the mix.

I received this book from the publisher and from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own.

Quintessence is a coming of age tale. Alma and her family have relocated to a new town and she is out of place. Something in her being is missing. She feels drawn to a tower in town owned by an old bearded man and wander in one day. Accepting his repurposed astronomy tool may be the key to rediscovering who she is. Exploring anxiety, PTSD and navigating junior high in a new town, Quintessence wraps up a transformation of inner light in a whimsical tale of science.

This book was one of those heart-warming books that I'll never forget! The main character, Alma, is twelve-years-old and suffers from panic attacks and you just want to hug her and tell her you are there for her. She is so inquisitive, yet shy, brilliant, yet anxious. I know students AND adults will be able to connect with Alma because of the struggles she endures in this story. She just moved to a new town called Four Points and misses everything about Old Haven. Not only does the move make her have panic attacks, but so does this so-called bully of a kid at her new school, Dustin. Her parents are always asking her if she is "acclimating" to her new school and new town, but she doesn't know how too. Even with therapy, she just can't seem to "fit in". Until one day she discovers a flyer that seemed like it was meant for her. It featured a new Astronomy Club and she recently has become quite curious about the starry sky. The story takes a major turn for Alma as she soon meets two other kids who join the club, but are confused when no teacher comes to facilitate it. Eventually, the three find out they are destined to be together because of some strange coincidences at The Fifth Point (a shop in the center of town that seems like it is no longer a thing). Through the story the reader and Alma find out what quintessence is, what a quintescope is, and learns about the scientific happenings in the bright and beautiful sky. A magical quest begins once Alma sees a falling star which contains something that resembles a human, and she knows she must save her. This quest also allows Alma to learn more about her "Alma-ness" soon known as her quintessence. She also learns to be a listener and learn more about Dustin and how he isn't exactly who she thought he would be.

Jess Redman has crafted a book full of hope, light, unlikely friendships, and a touch of magic. I love that even though this is a lengthier book, each chapter was short and it flowed so effortlessly. Definitely one of my top favorite 2020 books!

Alma struggles to fit in after a recent move with her family to Four Points. After meeting an eccentric man in a junk shop, he tasks her with saving a fallen star girl, but Alma worries she won’t make it in time.

What a heartwarming and magical story! Alma is an endearing young girl! She is full of potential and embarks on a journey of self discovery and self worth to tap into her raw potential.

She suffers from bad anxiety attacks. If you have anxiety, on any level, it is very easy to relate to how Alma feels. As Alma embarks on her journey to find the starling, her panic attacks impede everything and the feelings associated with having anxiety can easily be understood. What I liked is that ultimately, the anxiety does end up being discussed. I think this is truly wonderful for a middle grade novel. It is done in a very tasteful manner that isn’t overwhelming for the story.

This book is full of adventure, magic, fun, and so many cool moments that I will not spoil! I adore Alma’s friends. Hugo and Shirin are fantastic. And, ultimately, I liked Dustin, too! It is really lovely and I certainly recommend it!

Thank you Netgalley and MacMillan Children’s Publishing Group for the Advanced Reader’s Copy!

Young middle-schooler Alma struggles with the feelings that come after being suddenly uprooted by her parent’s decision to purchase a newly available law practice far from the town that she’d lived in before. When the panic attacks start, it makes things worse, but she’s perfectly content staying in her designated “safe” places and limiting interactions with new people. Unfortunately, her way of life is suddenly disturbed when she witnesses a falling star and receives a magical “telescope” from a quirky shopkeeper in town. She slowly branches out of her comfort zone, befriending a small group of friends she meets in the astronomy club, and discovers that the star is not just a core of rock and scientific elements, but a real creature who dreams of going back home.

Probably my favorite part about this book is the amazing descriptions of a child with anxiety. I felt that it was true to the actual mental health aspect and felt that the struggle that we see between Alma’s anxiety and her desire to be helpful was powerful and definitely a point that would be encouraging for a conversation between parents and children. I also enjoyed how the parents were represented in regards to it because while at first readers assume that Alma’s parents are trying to ignore the issue, it turns out that they are actually worried and want what's best for her health rather than the constant lies she’s been telling them to make them feel better. The small town atmosphere was also calming, and the characters that come from this atmosphere are fiercely loyal to Alma and the mission.

The only part of the novel that I had problems with was the writing style. At times, the writing style and word choices used are beautiful and poetic, but after a while, I felt there was no variation, and it came off as too flowery and sometimes a bit forced and choppy. This stylistic choice made sense when used to illustrate Alma as well as the shopkeeper, but it feels a bit off when used to describe the actions of others that don’t convey the same mood, such as Hugo. While this style can be quite beautiful, I feel like it could have been used more in a way to show the differences between those that are “other” (Alma, the shopkeeper, and the starling), and those that are more grounded or feel more in place (such as Hugo and the other “elementals”, and Alma’s parents). Overall, though, this book was beautifully done with a plot complicated with emotions that readers can empathize with, a varied cast of characters, and a magical quest that pushes characters to their limits.

I think this is a sweet story that would be especially wonderful for a child who lives with anxiety to read. I think it's really important for kids to see themeselves inside the pages of books. Walking alongside Alma as she navigates anxiety, and finds hope and friendship, may be just the right thing for kids to better understand anxiety. I also love that the story has some magic and science and a firm sense of wonder too.

NetGalley sent me a copy of this book. 5 stars

I loved this story. I believe it could become a classic. Of the books I have read this year, it could be in the running for the Newbery. 4th grade and up.

As a kid with anxiety, this book was recommended to me. I couldn't wait to read it and it did not let me down. The mix of magic, mystery, fantasy, adventure and friendship tells an engrossing story. The anxiety is dealt with well and in a way kids can understand.

I received a temporary digital advanced copy of Quintessence by Jess Redman from NetGalley, Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR), and the author in exchange for an honest review.

Alma, a twelve-year-old, is moved from her beloved home to a new town called Four Points by her parents. After the move, she begins to have panic attacks. She loses the ability to be herself and begins to retreat into solitude. One night, she sees an incredible burst of light and a star--with what looks like a child inside--falls from the sky and into her back yard. With three other classmates, a quest begins to save the child, but will Alma's panic attacks get in the way of their success?

I loved this book. The adventure in itself was excellently paced and written; however, it is the development of the characters that truly made me fall in love with this novel. Alma faces fears and doubts that are extremely relatable to young teens and adolescents. Throughout the novel, she learns that not everyone is perfect and not everyone is always happy. A message that is incredibly difficult to learn in middle school. I highly recommend this novel to any school-age student.

Disclaimer: I received this e-arc from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.

Book: Quintessence

Author: Jess Redman

Book Series: Standalone

Rating: 5/5

Diversity: anxiety/panic attack rep!

Recommended For...: middle graders, anxiety/panic attack rep

Publication Date: July 28, 2020

Genre: MG Fantasy

Recommended Age: 10+ (some slightly scary moments, isolation, anxiety, panic attacks)

Publisher: Farrar, Straus, and Giroux

Pages: 384

Synopsis: Three months ago, twelve-year-old Alma moved to the town of Four Points. Her panic attacks started a week later, and they haven’t stopped—even though she told her parents that they did. Every day she feels less and less like herself.

Then Alma meets the ShopKeeper in the town's junk shop, The Fifth Point. The ShopKeeper gives her a telescope and this message:

Find the Elements.
Grow the Light.
Save the Starling.

That night, Alma watches as a star—a star that looks like a child—falls from the sky and into her backyard. Alma knows what it’s like to be lost and afraid, to long for home, and with the help of some unlikely new friends from the Astronomy Club, she sets out on a quest that will take a little bit of astronomy, a little bit of alchemy, and her whole self.

Review: I really liked this book overall. The character development was well done and the book is so sweet. The main character has anxiety, has panic attacks, and feels isolated and it makes you love her and want to hug her. The book also has great world building and the pacing is well done.

The only issue I really had with the book is that the fantasy aspect of the book took a bit for me to understand and get. It’s a little out there, but overall great.

Verdict: A well done novel!