In Terracolina: A Place to Belong, Carla Kessler crafts a heartwarming and deeply emotional middle-grade fantasy about a boy named Thomas, who, on the edge of his twelfth birthday, is weighed down by the loss of his beloved Grandpa and the rigid expectations of his family. Before Grandpa passed, Thomas’ world sparkled with stories of a mystical place, filled with lush plants and fantastical creatures. Now, those magical tales feel like a distant memory, and Thomas’ life has become a gray routine of following rules. Determined to break free and find answers, he sets off and soon stumbles into the very world he thought only existed in dreams, where he learns he has a crucial role to play in protecting both worlds.

Kessler’s portrayal of grief in this story is nothing short of powerful. Thomas feels disconnected, battling sorrow that neither his family nor his friends seem to recognize. The emptiness he carries shapes every aspect of his world, creating a weight that many readers who’ve faced loss will recognize. I found myself deeply moved; the story felt like a mirror, reflecting experiences of complex grief that I hadn’t fully processed myself. Thomas’ journey to trust, to confront his pain, and to open his heart resonated with me profoundly. It felt like walking beside him, each step toward healing a reminder of the resilience that lives in us all.

This book’s magic doesn’t stop at its emotional depth. Despite its size, Terracolina is packed with wonder and unforgettable characters. Geven, the warm-hearted gardener, quickly became one of my all-time favorite fantasy characters, while Nib and Nob, the spirited Nubbins, brought a whimsical charm reminiscent of Wonderland. Misty, with her quiet insightfulness, rounded out a quirky and lovable cast that added life and color to Thomas’ adventure. Richard Kessler’s illustrations add extra vibrancy, capturing the beauty and personality of the Terracolina realm.

Terracolina: A Place to Belong is a moving and magical story of finding hope and purpose after loss. The book gently explores tough themes, including fantasy violence and mentions of death, making it a meaningful read for middle-grade readers and anyone looking for a story about courage, healing, and finding one’s place in the world.

Pages: 204 | ASIN: B09XS1G166