Review by Booklist Review
"Why do people expect us to sit in bright shiny boxes with boring labels? We should be as weird, slightly pudgy, or as morbid--or whatever you want to be." Jinx likes who she is and what she looks like, regardless of what others may think, but her former best friend has taken up with her nemesis, and her parents have split up. To make matters worse, she moves into a new apartment where, thanks to a glowing crystal from a neighbor, she's surrounded by adorable but chaotic little magical creatures. With the help of her new friend Robyn, Jinx starts to realize that maybe these Adorables are just the magic she needed. The fun, colorful art style will appeal to fans of Rainbow Rowell, Witch Boy, and Tea Dragon Society. Jinx, Robyn, and Robyn's uncle Greg all offer LGBTQIA+ representation. While the creatures' origin and purpose are not always clear, readers will be enchanted by the Adorables. A touching reminder that while none of us are perfect, we are all lovable.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 4--8--Middle schooler Jinx is having a rough time. Kids at school think she's a goth freak, her best friend left her for a bully, and her parents are divorcing, which means she and her mom have to move to a new apartment. After accidentally receiving a strange crystal from her neighbor, a bunch of magical, fluffy creatures--the Adorables--appear to Jinx and wreak havoc. In spite of Jinx's protests that she wants to be left alone, the Adorables have a way of bringing magic, however chaotic, to her life. Terry takes a sensitive look at divorce and navigating parental relationships, the evolving nature of friendships, and gender identity, with characters that have relatable appeal for middle graders. Illustrations have a manga influence, with equal parts bright and fluffy and tween goth. VERDICT With the Adorables to soften difficult issues, readers will enjoy Jinx's story and a sprinkling of magic in their own lives.--Rosemary Kiladitis
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
A Manhattan girl's life is temporarily taken over by some eccentric monsters. Jinx Kagen faces challenges: her parents' separation, moving to a new apartment, missing her loving but unreliable dad (who's living in Chicago), and dealing with bullying and the end of a friendship. In her new apartment building, Jinx picks up a cylindrical orange crystal belonging to her neighbor Greg--and he cryptically tells her that he can't take it back and has to get out of there. The crystal overhears Jinx wishing for a happy family; she wakes up the next day surrounded by miniature, big-eyed creatures. Jinx dubs the mysterious beings the Adorables: Squirrley is fond of eating, fire-breathing Avey can fly, Bun can grow huge, and the fuzzy orange Pom-Poms poop flowers. The "little gods of chaos" (Greg's description) follow Jinx everywhere. Before they and the crystal move on to someone else, their mischief and devotion help Jinx work through her overwhelming emotions and connect with Robyn and TJ, Greg's young relatives, who are cat sitting while he's away. The dominant shades of violet and blue contrast with Jinx's goth style and the Adorables' bright colors. Jinx, who is fat and presents white, and Robyn, who reads Black, share their coming-out stories and sweetly confess that they "likelike" one another. Sincere emotions punctuated with funny and magical moments elevate this charming work. Engagingly original, featuring a likable protagonist and plenty of humor and tenderness. (concept art, author's note)(Graphic fantasy. 8-12) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
