The Girl Who Could Silence the Wind by Meg Medina

Grades 5 and up--

Rooted in folklore with hints of mystery, magical realism and young love, The Girl Who Could Silence the Wind by Meg Medina tells the story of a small town that believes that one of their own has the power to change their futures, but for her, the pressure has become too much and she has to make a decision to

Intended audience:

According to Medina’s site, she aimed to write a telenovela style story for kids of all ages. I would say more specifically upper elementary students, boys and girls, Spanish speakers.

Audience to whom it may appeal: I think that the novel may appeal to kids and adults alike, those who are interested in a coming of age tale with a few twists and turns. It may also appeal to those interested in learning about magical realism and perhaps those interested in studying the Spanish language.

Strengths: The time and place of the tale is obscure enough that it could be anywhere at anytime which lends it to a unique experience for each and every reader. Its timeless themes of  family, perseverance and love make for a relatable read for all types of readers.

Weaknesses:  While the obscurity of the setting may be enjoyable for readers with strong imaginative skills, some might find the lack of descriptive language hard to picture and follow. There is a sprinkling of Spanish phrases throughout the novel that might discourage readers with no prior knowledge of the language or cultural practices.

VERDICT: An allegory for finding the balance between family and following your heart, this novel would be an excellent addition to an elementary or middle school library for students seeking a story with soul.