It's the year 2030 and students at MakerX20 (a STEAM-based middle school) are building gadgets for the first astronauts about to land on Mars. Meanwhile, twelve-year-old KyRose has a secret mission of her own. She's a freak. Well, at least, that's what her classmates say when they see her talking to animals. Truth be told, it's her superpower. But really, all KyRose wants is to be normal, like everyone else, and win over Georgia, the captain of the soccer team and most popular girl in school.
Meanwhile, a mystery ensues off the coast of Catalina Island. The ecosystem has gone awry and left a young dolphin stranded. Will KyRose save the day? Or in her frenzy to fit in, will she shun her special gift-and her best friend Cora-to achieve the acceptance she so longs for?
From microbes to migration patterns, KyRose traverses the circle of life. Yet, before she can help anyone else, she must accept herself, even if that means being different. Only then can she blaze a path of her own-unique and authentic-to find the true belonging she seeks.
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"A debut middle-grade novel chronicles the adventures of a seventh grader.... KyRose Sanchez, a student at a STEM-focused school who has an uncanny ability to communicate with animals. Although she loves creatures of all kinds and is involved in local animal welfare issues (such as saving an injured dolphin she calls Misty and helping a pair of eagles named Gabriella and Merlin, whose ecosystem has been destroyed), her biggest wish is to be one of the popular kids.... The ingenuity and groundbreaking ideas that the students come up with (like echolocation vests) are...wildly empowering to young readers....A thought-provoking environmental tale featuring a lovable hero." -Kirkus Reviews
"KyRose...a relatable heroine...prioritizes her friends and family, she works hard at school, and she succumbs to pressures to be the best. She also makes decisions in haste, leading to teachable moments. Further, her discussions of echolocation, space exploration, and the intricacies of ecosystems are edifying. The prose has an easygoing tone that allows the characters to remain the focus.... By the book's end, their concerns are made to connect to KyRose's tale...and her family's history all unite in the emotional conclusion." -Forward Clarion Reviews
"Readers will be glued to the sidelines cheering for KyRose. She battles insecurity and struggles with friend issues and moral dilemmas. Supporting characters are original and well-defined, and the teens' dialogue and behavior are dead-on. The dramatic windup is as thrilling as it is surprising; and the story carries a timely theme about the interconnectedness of all life and the importance of protecting our ecosystems and fellow creatures." -BlueInk Review
"Readers in grades 5-8 who look for STEAM novels...will welcome the blend of magical realism and struggles...explored by KyRose. With its intrigue, discovery, problem-solving, and extraordinary encounters, Cicek Bricault has created an engaging story to attract STEAM learners. KyRose Takes A Leap is highly recommended for advanced elementary to middle school readers. They will relish this captivating story of a girl who decides when to take risks and how to accept more responsibility as a leader." -Midwest Book Review
