Inspired
Susan Schaefer Bernardo, Author
Inner Flower Child Books, YA Fantasy, May 6, 2018
Suitable for ages: 12 and up
Pages: 282
Themes: Self-confidence, Creative ability, Greek muses and mythology, Family Relationships, Friendship
Synopsis: As if life weren’t complicated enough, 14-year-old Rocket Malone has just learned that her mysterious Aunt Polly is actually Polyhymnia, a Greek Muse who desperately needs her help. And there is the matter of the gift of a mysterious mirror from Aunt Polly that keeps glowing and draws Rocket into the timeless world of the nine muses. The more time she spends with the muses, the more lost Rocket feels at home and the more out-of-place she feels at school. Now Rocket needs to juggle middle school and apprentice Muse training, learn how to ride Pegasus and blow glass, stand up to Zeus and catch a crazed nymph named Echo — all without losing her best friend or looking like an idiot in front of her crush, Ryan. As she strives to inspire others, Rocket learns to trust her own voice and realizes that the most important spark she must ignite is her own — because the brighter she shines, the more she lights the way for those around her.
Why I like this book:
Inspired is a charming novel with a perfect balance of magic and Greek mythology, but is grounded in a strong dose of realism. It is set in Hollywood and takes place in a regular middle school with all of the angst of messy teen problems.
There is so much beauty in this novel. The tone of the prose is rich and wandering, inviting the reader along this magical journey about Greek muses, gods and mythological creatures, like a Pegasus. A school field trip to the Getty Villa opens the door for Rocket’s first contact with the mythological world, when she wanders off among the statues of muses and discovers Polyhymnia, who looks like her Aunt Polly. When the statue turns from stone to Aunt Polly, Rocket gasps and nearly collapses.
The characters are believable and have problems, which are handled with sensitivity by the author. Rocket isn’t happy with the direction of her life, but she is a resilient character. Her father committed suicide and her mother has remarried. They are moving from their Venice Beach apartment to her stepfather’s home in the Hollywood Hills. Rocket isn’t pleased when her mother announces she is pregnant and expecting twin boys. Her best friend Gillian, finds a new friend. Her friend Ryan is dealing with the death of his sister in a car accident and the loss of his home in a wild-fire.
I enjoyed the diversity among the female apprentice muses, each representing a different country, culture and different time period. It takes Rocket a while to realize that they all communicate with each other through a universal language when they are together. They aren’t fluent in English, as she first thought.
The plot is fast-paced with universal themes the author manages to keep fresh for readers. For instance, no matter how challenging our lives may seem, they are “part of our human, creative process.” This is an engaging story about self-confidence, friendship, adventure, trust, embracing one’s uniqueness, and finding one’s voice. This novel shines!
Susan Schaefer Bernardo is a published poet and the author of several award-winning picture books, including Sun Kisses, Moon Hugs, The Big Adventures of Tiny House, and The Rhino Who Swallowed a Storm (a collaboration with LeVar Burton that was sent via rocket to the International Space Station for Storytime from Space!). This is her first novel. She loves school, and has collected her B.A. from UCLA, a master’s degree in English Literature from Yale, and teaching credentials from Pepperdine University. She lives in Los Angeles with her family. You can visit Susan at her website.
Greg Pattridge hosts Marvelous Middle Grade Monday posts on his wonderful Always in the Middle website. Check out the link to see all of the wonderful reviews by KidLit bloggers and authors.
Reviewed from a copy provided by the author.
Sounds like a lovely story, Patricia. It’s nice to see some of the Greek mythology woven in with the muses. I think more of us could benefit from their input.
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Greek mythology didn’t inspire me in school. But, a novel like this would have caught my attention!
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Exactly! Greek mythology was taught in a similar way to history – names and “not quite” dates, more abilities I suppose. Stories, especially relationships, would have made it more interesting and memorable.
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I sure would have enjoyed a novel bringing mythology to life.
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As would I!
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Sounds worth reading, thanks!
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I think it is! I found it very inspirational.
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I like the Greek Mythology piece as it fits into the fabric of this modern day story. Many great themes also. I’ll be giving this one a look see. Thanks for your thoughtful review.
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Yes, it has Greek mythology woven throughout the novel, but it also has a lot of realism. Regular kids with regular problems.
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Mythology and magic — sounds like a great combination. And I LOVE the cover! Thanks for the review. I will be checking this one out.
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It is an interesting combination. I’ve review a number of Susan’s books over the years and she is such a lyrical and inspirational author. I think you would enjoy this book. There will be sequels.
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The muses sound interesting. This would be especially great for kids already interested in mythology.
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Fans of Rick Riordan will enjoy this book. It has a different spin, but is engaging.
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I immediately thought of Rick Riordan’s books when I read the description but this book sounds like it’s quite different. Sounds intriguing!
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For teens who like Rick, this book may appeal to them. But, it is very different. And, I like they are kids with real problems.
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It does sounds like a good balance between magic and real life issues. Sounds like one to check out.
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It is a nice balance between magic and real life issues.
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Sounds like a very interesting read. Must look out for this one. Thanks for sharing Pat.
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If you like Greek muses and mythology, along with real life issues, you will enjoy this skillfully written story.
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This sounds so lovely! It can be difficult to follow up on all the great books that get read and shared here on MMGM, but I’m determined to get my hands on this one. Thanks so much for recommending it!
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I hope you get a chance to read and review INSPIRED.
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Do you think this story would appeal to a Percy Jackson fan?
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I haven’t read Percy Jackson. It has been compared to books like the Lightening Thief by Rick Riordan.
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Well, then, this sounds like a winner!
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It is a unique book for those who like mythology!
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This sounds awesome! I love differences in characters–especially when they are all going through troubling times. It helps to read about other people struggling and pushing through it. Thanks!
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You just might like this story. If you get a copy, I’d be interested in your review.
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