I really enjoyed Shanthi Sekaran’s Lucky Boy and when i heard, through a mutual acquaintance, that she’d written a middle grade book I was excited to give it a read. While it raises some interesting issues and is an exciting romp, I felt the constraints imposed by writing for this audience meant it wasn’t entirely successful.

In the tiny fictional island nation of Mariposa, the President has decided to blame the economic and social problems of the native Mariposans (aka Butterflies) on more recent immigrants (aka Moths). Though middle schooler Muki Krishnan was born in Mariposa, his parents immigrated from India and the area where they live is full of similar families from all around the world. None of that troubles him as he is assigned to work on a Civics project with Tinsley, popular girl and daughter of the president’s right hand general.

Muki has always been a bit of a fade into the background sort of kid, but as he gradually realizes that his mother is involved with Moth activism and his grandmother is taken to a camp along with other “elder Moths” he realizes it’s time to speak out and get involved. His discussions on nationalism with Tinsley’s dad and with his Butterfly schoolmates are age appropriate, if somewhat simplistic, and could help shed some light on real world situations for middle grade readers.

However, when the rebellion actually happens, it feels unrealistically polite, orderly, and bloodless. Though the stakes are high for Muki and his friends, they seem to be having more of an adventure than fighting for their community’s lives and livelihoods. There is tension and drama, but there never really feels any doubt that the good guys will win (unlike in the real world). I feel the author could have taken some more risks with the characters and situations, though that would maybe have upped the age group.

Nonetheless, this is an intriguing, thoughtful, and well-written novel for young teens with some interesting ideas for them to think about.

Thanks to Katherine Tegen and Edelweiss for the digital review copy.