Into the Shadow Mist (Legends of Lotus Island #2) [Paperback]

From three-time Newbery honor recipient Christina Soontornvat comes a thrilling fantasy series about kids who can transform into amazing animals!

Plum and her friends are traveling to the misty Bokati Island. There they will study with the mysterious Guardian Master Em, who is the keeper of the ancient forest there. The field trip comes just in time for Plum, who still can't figure out why she's so different from the other Novices on Lotus Island.

At first, Plum doesn't know what to make of this quiet and sometimes gloomy place. But it doesn't take long to discover that Bokati is brimming with an incredible array of fascinating animals and plants.

When an unseen force begins to destroy the trees, putting the entire ecosystem at risk, Plum and her classmates must spring into action. Plum is determined to help, even though she's hiding secrets about her own Guardian powers from even her closest friends.

Perfect for reluctant readers:

• Under 200 pages
• Interior illustrations
• Magic and adventure

Praise for The Guardian Test:

A 2023 Junior Library Guild Selection

An Indie Next Pick

With a Thailand-inspired setting, magic rooted in nature and the environment, and whimsical illustrations, this is a promising beginning to a series ready to introduce readers to both the fantasy genre and a beautiful and mysterious new world. Kirkus Reviews

Christina Soontornvat is a three-time Newbery Honoree, a Sibert Honoree, and a Kirkus Prize winner. Her highly acclaimed backlist includes the middle grade booksThe Tryout,The Squad,The Last Mapmaker,A Wish in the Dark, andAll Thirteen; the picture bookTo Change a Planet; and the chapter book series Diary of an Ice Princess, Legends of Lotus Island, and the highly anticipated NEXT series, The Luckies, with Sarah Mlynowski. Christina lives in Tennesselã