Jinxed

Publishing Details

Classifications

Physical Properties

Description

*A 2021 Eleanor Cameron Notable Middle Grade Books*

Age range 12+

After fourteen-year-old Lacey Chu repairs a highly advanced smartphone obotic pet companion, or baku, called Jinx, the baku gets her into her dream school, Profectus, where she is exposed to dangerous secrets.

Teachers' notes available here

Reviews

"[A] vividly imagined Toronto-set middle grade series opener intertwines smartphone technology with the hallmarks of classic science fiction via a fun, insightful narrative and bright voice...With a sharp eye toward the rising awareness of device addiction and a keen sense of wonder, McCulloch's tale is a feast for the imagination that celebrates women in STEM fields." -- Publishers Weekly, STARRED Review
"A solid series starter for tinkerers and adventurers alike." -- Kirkus Reviews
"An enjoyable read with just enough genuine friendship and suspense to draw readers in." -- School Library Journal
"I raced through this book, and I want the sequel now, please -- and my own baku too! If you love fun, clever and thought-provoking near-future sci-fi, it's time you teamed up with Lacey and Jinx for a journey that's a little bit Golden Compass, a little bit Hunger Games, and all adventure." -- Amie Kaufman, New York Times bestselling author
"McCulloch's riveting tale will speak to children interested in STEM as well as any reader interested in intelligent, rapidly paced sf mysteries." -- Booklist
"The most compelling read of the year." -- Evening Standard
"This is a swift moving story that takes the time needed to develop its characters and relationships to the point where readers will genuinely care about the outcome...Recommended." -- School Library Connection
"With plenty of appeal for any aspiring inventor or STEM enthusiast, this sci-fi adventure offers a novel approach to the robot-with-a-soul story that unfolds speedily alongside other genre tropes, like underground tinkers and corporate conspiracies...Readers will cling to the edge of their seats." -- The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

Author Bio

Amy McCulloch was born in the UK, raised in Canada, and currently lives in London. She is the author of the Jinxed duology as well as The Oathbreaker's Shadow duology and The Potion Diaries series. She loves traveling the world, researching extraordinary settings and intriguing stories for future books. Find her online at amymcculloch.net