The tear collector

In this affecting fantasy, Romero (Tale of the Flying Forest) utilizes a devastatingly candid third-person narrative to render a group of climate crisis survivors fighting for a brighter future. Siblings Malka and Ezra are nine and seven when a flood engulfs the world, setting them adrift. They wash ashore on an island with an array of fellow castaways, one of whom, Dr. Jonas Hollman, becomes their guardian. Three years pass without word from the mainland, causing many to catch the Sorrow--an illness whereby prolonged grief and despair transforms people into terrifying beasts. Jonas is researching a cure by analyzing islanders' tears, but Malka starts losing faith when Ezra begins exhibiting symptoms of the Sorrow. Then young pilot Olivia crash-lands on the beach. The aviator insists that the mainland is rebuilding and offers to arrange rescue upon repairing her plane. Jonas forbids his charges from helping, asserting that staying realistic about their circumstances is "the key to staying healthy." The kids, however, believe that it's brave to have hope, and they commence assisting Olivia in secret. Lyrical prose, darkly whimsical worldbuilding, and an intersectionally diverse cast of exquisitely rendered, emotionally complex characters complement Romero's inspiring plot, which advocates for mental health awareness as well as activism both social and environmental. Ages 8--12. Agent: Rena Rossner, Deborah Harris Agency. (Oct.)

Bravery and hope fuel this timely climate-fiction fantasy. Three years ago, Jewish siblings Malka, 12, and Ezra, 10, survived the Great Flood. Now they're struggling to survive on the Island under the care of Dr. Jonas Hollman. Many Islanders suffer from the Sorrow, a disease that has monstrous effects on the afflicted and takes hold whenever memories overcome a person's belief in the future. Uncle Jonas researches the illness with help from Malka, who collects tears for the study. The Island's diverse community of survivors lives under the watchful guard of Mr. Gray, who maintains tight control over all the Sorrowful ones, who have changed beyond recognition. When Olivia, a Latine-presenting girl from Denver who's about Malka's age, crashes her plane on the Island, Malka and Ezra are shocked to hear of communities on the Mainland and of the existence of other islands. Olivia questions the Island's rules and plots her return, but Mr. Gray has other plans for the confident intruder. As Ezra falls ill and the Sorrowful challenge Mr. Gray's grip, Malka's role assumes an added urgency. The siblings help Olivia repair her plane, but secrets strain their bond. In a world where nostalgia holds danger, the trio look ahead, facing fearful moments together. This dystopian adventure delivers a balm for climate anxiety in the form of persistence and cooperation. The chapters open with note cards that add worldbuilding details and Iredale's delicate spot art. A vivid, emotionally resonant narrative that showcases an unforgettable world.(Fantasy. 8-12) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.