From School Library Journal
Gr 4–7—Lily Roberts, a member of the Muscogee Creek Nation, and white Wendy Darling are stepsisters who share many things (including a younger brother, Michael), but they find themselves at odds over the their parents' impending separation. As Wendy reads to Michael the night before she leaves, they are interrupted by a braggart boy, Peter, and his fairy friend, Belle. Peter wants a storyteller, and Wendy, always in love with fantasy, agrees to go (with Michael) by fairy dust to Neverland. Lily, always scientific, rejects this boy at first, especially after he calls her a derogatory name for Native Americans, but she listens to his errant shadow and follows it to Neverland to save her sister and brother from Peter. Thus begins a wondrous story skillfully hung on the framework of Peter Pan, but Smith makes it all her delightful own. A member of the Muscogee Creek Nation herself, she subverts the flaws of the original story into strengths, while firmly rooting her fantasy in realistic character development. Peter is a tyrant and a menace to Neverland; Wendy and Lily are strong heroines, each with her own challenges to overcome. Smith also weaves meaning into the large supporting cast of Native kids, Lost Boys, Merfolk, Fairies, and Pirates, perfectly pitching her tone for the middle reader set. VERDICT Full of fantastic storytelling, thrills, and humor, this book is a recommended purchase for all upper elementary and early middle school collections.—Kate Fleming, Hosford M.S., Portland, OR
Review
"While Smith wields Barrie’s storyteller voice, writing from a head-hopping omniscient voice that addresses readers directly, this is less a retelling and more a rebuttal, critiquing the problematic aspects of the classic—often quite overtly—and the consequences of such harmful influences are explored over the course of much action, adventure, and magical island exploration. An exciting journey in its own right and a necessary “recommend-along” for patrons seeking Barrie’s original." — Booklist (starred review)
"Short chapters, plenty of action, and the wry voice of the omniscient narrator help make this title, with its themes of gender equity, Native pride, and environmentalism, accessible. A refreshing adventure that breathes new life into a classic text." — Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
"A sharp, contemporary retelling of a classic that puts the focus on the Indigenous kids this round." — Publishers Weekly (starred review)
"Any reader looking for a brilliant, suspenseful fantasy adventure should find Sisters of the Neversea thrilling and tremendously fun." — Shelf Awareness (starred review)
"A wondrous story skillfully hung on the framework of Peter Pan, but Smith makes it all her delightful own. Full of fantastic storytelling, thrills, and humor." — School Library Journal (starred review)
"Ultimately, the novel offers redemption not just for Peter but for many of Neverland’s other characters as well. With expertly shifting perspectives, an oft-broken fourth wall and subtle but firm remedies to elements of the story best left in the past, Sisters of the Neversea is a welcome new addition to the legend of Peter Pan." — BookPage
"In her reimagining of a classic, Smith gives readers a decidedly modern look at the magic, adventure, and mystery of Barrie’s Peter Pan, without its derogatory depictions of Indigenous people... This smart and engaging middle-grade novel intertwines bits of Barrie’s language, some strong and resourceful Indigenous kids, and themes of the importance of family and the powerful bonds of sisterhood into an original and wholly satisfying bit of magic." — Horn Book Magazine
About the Author
Cynthia Leitich Smith is the bestselling, acclaimed author of books for all ages, including Rain Is Not My Indian Name, Indian Shoes, Jingle Dancer, On a Wing and a Tear, Sisters of the Neversea, the Blue Stars series, Harvest House, and Hearts Unbroken, which won the American Indian Youth Literature Award. Cynthia is also the anthologist of Ancestor Approved: Intertribal Stories for Kids and was named the NSK Neustadt Laureate. She is the author-curator of Heartdrum, a Native-focused imprint at HarperCollins Children's Books, and served as the Katherine Paterson Inaugural Endowed Chair on the faculty of the MFA program in writing for children and young adults at Vermont College of Fine Arts. Cynthia is a citizen of the Muscogee Nation and lives in Austin, Texas.
