Elana K. Arnold

Unhappy about moving from sunny California to rainy Corvallis, Oregon, and grieving over the death of her best friend, sixth-grader Iris looks for a miracle and may find one in new friend Boris.

The Question of Miracles

Hannah Yang

I feel completely heartless for giving this only two stars because it's clearly meant to be a heartwarming, friendship / family / moving on / loss / closure story and I just.. nope, no, nuh-uh.

The Question of Miracles is about Iris, whose best friend Sarah just died in a tragic accident, so the family's picking up and moving away from California. However, Iris is sure that Sarah's still with them, somehow, and becomes even more convinced when she learns that her new and only friend Boris is a medical miracle. As in, he should be dead, but he's not. Together they try to find a way to make a miracle happen for Iris by trying to talk to Sarah again. The story's basically centered around Iris adjusting to a new home, the friendship between her and Boris, and some memories to show us what Sarah was like.

I hate to say it but I could not like Iris. I know she's only eleven but she complained for like, 90% of the book. She was so judgmental of every single person around her and when they tried to be nice, she would say something snappy back and regret it afterwards. Why, Iris?! Just be nice back to them! I was happy to see her character growth, from a stubborn and petulant, grieving girl to her old, happy self. But seriously, when the book first started I was really surprised by the amount of angst in the first chapter - the whole time I was thinking: isn't this a middle grade novel?

  Iris headed there, ignoring the questioning glances on the other kids' faces. Ignoring the occasional smile, too. Ignoring everything.
Woahhh there, Iris, you're too young to be this teenagery.

Now, don't get me wrong, I know she's having a hard time coping with Sarah's loss. However, a lot of the times she was sassy weren't even related to Sarah. I felt like Iris' thoughts were more focused on herself (why did you leave me, why don't I get a miracle, why do I have to move to rainy Oregon, do I really have to play Magic ughhghh etc.) than missing Sarah (actual sad thoughts and memories with deceased friend). 

Not to mention, Iris' friendship with Boris is basically forced. First, it's "I'd rather not sit alone at lunch so I'm stuck with you." Then, its "you're a miracle maybe I should ask you for help for my miracle." At the end, she finally seems to have more friendship chemistry with him. 

Boris was an alright character and an alright friend, but I wish he was more flawed. He's this reliable, helpful, smart, energetic friend who owns up to his mistakes quickly and deals with Iris' attitude. Iris describes him as a know-it-all, which I didn't even think was true most of the time. I kept hoping (sorry, I'm a horrible human) that Boris and Iris would have a huge fight, or Boris would find a new friend and ditch Iris but come back, or something. Otherwise, there's not much room for his character to develop.

Overall I'd say the writing was lovely up until the end. The end felt so rushed, and the ending didn't leave me feeling anything but frustration.

  Clean, fresh rain showered down on them.
There was a miracle, too, in that.
Really?!? The pages before, where Iris finally does some self reflection, and she's talking about the eggs hatching / not hatching and their veggies are growing.. those were great. Then, insert a cheesy-supposed-to-be-dramatic-and-inspiring-sounding-sentence to ruin all that was finally built up before. Sigh.

I know this is just my personal opinion, and I did enjoy some aspects of the story (the different beliefs Iris came across in her search, for one) and I know that a younger me probably would have gobbled this story up. I know lots of younger students and adults will love this novel, since it's charming and has a cute little story (bonus points for an adorable cover + quaint title). However, I just couldn't get into it. Perhaps I'd enjoy Elana K. Arnold's YA more? *shrugs*

Jessica Nottingham

Oh, this book. Let me tell you that as soon as I finished reading this in ebook format, I called my local Indie bookstore to buy a physical copy. The Question of Miracles is the exact kind of Middle Grade book I adore. The kind that isn't afraid to deal with tough issues. The kind that treats young readers as the strong, compassionate, curious human beings that they are. Best of all, this is a book that will resonate with all readers. No matter what your age group, you'll be touched. You may even cry.
 
Iris Abernathy's life has been forever altered. She's lost a best friend, been uprooted to a new state, and feels like nothing is fitting together the way it should. I must admit, Iris was a perfect main character to me. I truly believe there's nothing more difficult than channeling what a middle grader would do, and say, accurately. Iris felt real. I felt her frustration, I understood her sadness, and I loved her little quirks. As the story progressed, and she blossomed, I couldn't look away. This book came alive because Iris was alive.
 
Now add in a beautifully bittersweet story line, and there was no turning back for this reader. I've said it before, and I'll say it as many times as it takes, young readers deserve books like these. They need books that deal with tough concepts. Concepts like the death of a best friend. Elana K. Arnold's expert handling of this subject was impressive. I felt myself looking through the eyes of Iris. Stumbled along as she kept trying to deal with the loss of someone who was such a large part of her life and, worst of all, so close in age to her. Everything about this story pulled at my emotions in all the right places, but what I appreciated most of all was that it was so honest. Truly, wonderfully, honest.
 
I wish I could say more. If you'd allow me, I'd gush over how perfectly the idea of miracles are woven into this story. I'd praise Boris as a character, and how he was the perfect match for Iris. I'd smile proudly and admit that I adored the fact that the card game of Magic makes such a big debut in this book. Truthfully, you wouldn't be able to shut me up. So, instead, I'll just tell you that you definitely need to read this book. The Question of Miracles is absolutely gorgeous, and it deserves a place on your reading list.

The Question of Miracles

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