Cassandra Steps Out: Book 1

by Isabelle Bottier, H l ne Canac (Illustrator)

Overview

Cassandra has a gift. Animals can show her what they're thinking. And she's done keeping her talent a secret. In the first volume of the Cassandra: Animal Psychic series, Cassandra sets out to help pets and their people.
The trouble is, other parts of Cassandra's life are changing too. Her mom has a boyfriend she really likes, but his daughter can't stand Cassandra. And Cassandra's best friend is about to leave town. Not even her trusty dog Miss Dolly can make things feel okay. When Cassandra gets on the trail of a lost cat, will she be able to help its owners? Or will her first case be a flop?

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781541543973
Publisher:	Lerner Publishing Group
Publication date:	09/03/2019
Series:	Cassandra: Animal Psychic Series , #1
Pages:	56
Product dimensions:	8.10(w) x 10.10(h) x 0.40(d)
Age Range:	8 - 9 Years

About the Author

Isabelle Bottier writes graphic novels for kids and teens. She lives in France.

Hélène Canac illustrates graphic novels and lives in France.

Editorial Reviews

"A good match for readers who enjoy stories about animals or psychic powers."—School Library Journal

From the Publisher

2019-05-26
French author-illustrator team Bottier and Canac bring a new graphic-novel series across the pond with this first volume.

At 14, Cassandra is in for some big and largely unwelcome changes. Her single mom is getting serious with a new partner, whose own daughter is not a fan of Cassandra's, creating tension at home. Meanwhile, her best friend has just announced she is moving away. Through it all Cassandra questions whether now is the time to embrace her power. This Cassandra is no harbinger of doom, although she does have a unique gift: the ability to communicate with animals in images and feelings. Compelled to act when she sees a poster of a missing tabby called Titus, Cassandra takes on her first case, using her psychic ability to track Titus down with the help of Miss Dolly, her beloved Old English sheepdog (incorrectly identified in the backmatter as an English shepherd and as having a bobbed tail), and some new friends met along the way. The full-color paneled illustrations are vibrant, with a touch of anime inspiration. Though the tale turns preachy at times, the teenage protagonists grappling with angst and change combine with the fast-paced graphic form to make this a great hi-lo option for younger YA readers as well as middle-grade audiences. Brown-skinned Cassandra's mom presents white, suggesting Cassandra's either biracial or adopted, and her best friend presents East Asian in the illustrations.

Cassandra's struggles and triumphs make this an entertaining series opener with broad appeal. (Graphic fantasy. 8-13)

Kirkus Reviews

07/12/2019

Gr 4–7-Cassandra has some adjustments to make in her life. Her best friend has moved away and her mom is dating a man whose daughter dislikes Cassandra. She's also dealing with the decision to use a special ability to help others. This series starter establishes that Cassandra can communicate with animals and documents her first case as an "animal psychic." Apart from her powers, Cassandra is a typical teen. Insecure and quick tempered, she longs for acceptance. The graphic format depicts the story effectively, using thought bubbles to show Cassandra's communication with animals. Illustrations capture emotions and provide flashbacks as Cassandra reminisces about learning about her ability. Pages from Cassandra's "Secret Notebook" offer more details about the case and about her dog, Miss Dolly. VERDICT A good match for readers who enjoy stories about animals or psychic powers.-Suzanne Costner, Fairview Elementary School, Maryville, TN

School Library Journal