Marsha Is Magnetic

October 15, 2020
Marsha uses science and engineering skills to test a hypothesis on how to make friends. Wide-eyed and bespectacled with a triple-braided pouf of red hair, Marsha stands out at school, but not in the ways she wants. As her birthday fast approaches, everything is ready to go except the guest list. Marsha ponders how she can bridge social gaps to not only invite classmates to her party, but maybe even make some friends. Though she may not know social expectations, she definitely knows science. Through observation, questioning, and the testing of a hypothesis, Marsha hopes to discover what really attracts friends. The comical electromagnetic outfit she wears to school, inspired by her dad's offhand remark about "magnetic personality," sure does draw people in, though in unexpected and troublesome ways. Vividly hued and bright-eyed cartoon illustrations from Alvarez capture the childlike whimsy and creativity of the protagonist's big idea. Along with eye-catching illustrations, a good dose of humor and a happy ending will draw in plenty of new friends for our heroine. Marsha and her parents have light-brown skin, and her school is a bustle with diverse classmates and teachers. Marsha will surely attract many fans. (Picture book. 4-7)

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November 16, 2020
Marsha is a red-haired scientist-in-training whose mother is planning a birthday party for her. Who to invite? Christa, a popular kid in the girl’s inclusively portrayed class, has many friends. When Marsha’s parents speculate it’s because she has “a magnetic personality,” literal-minded Marsha puts this intelligence to work, producing a super-magnetic helmet that has attractive power. At school, the helmet holds a kid captive long enough for Marsha to say “Cupcakes at my house this weekend?” Manic action ensues as more kids stick to the girl’s helmet. Then the helmet opens a locked gym door, and Marsha becomes a local hero. Lifting up the theme of promoting STEM for girls, Ferry (Swashby and the Sea) builds the story around the principles of scientific research (“Formulate a hypothesis. Test the hypothesis. Analyze data. Make a conclusion”). Crisp-edged spreads in deep, brilliant hues by Alvarez (The Magical Yet) contribute energy and verve. Kids who struggle to navigate school social pressures will recognize themselves in Marsha’s story, and they’ll be drawn to her determination to make friends without squelching her own distinctive personality. Ages 4–7. Author’s agent: Elena Giovinazzo, Pippin Properties. Illustrator’s agent: Anne Moore Armstrong, the Bright Agency.