Crystal Chan watched with amazement at the exotic zoo outbreak in Zanesville, Ohio in 2011, where scores of animals--hungry lions, panthers, and tigers--ran loose around the county. That incident helped inspire her most recent novel, All That I Can Fix. When Crystal isn't writing, her passion is giving diversity talks to adults and kids alike, telling stories on Wisconsin Public Radio, and hosting conversations on social media. Her debut novel, Bird, was published in nine countries and is available on audiobook in the US. She is the parent of a teenage turtle (not a ninja).
"Thoughtful and introspective about the dynamics of a grieving
family . . . contemplative readers will be rewarded by Jewel's
journey.-- "Booklist, December 2013"
Daughter of a Jamaican father and her half-Mexican, half-white
mother, Jewel has always felt out of place in her small Iowa town.
. . . When Jewel meets John, an adopted black boy staying with his
uncle, she finds a kindred spirit, someone as out of place as she
is. . . . Chan has carefully crafted John and Jewel as effective
foils for each other; their shared interest in science propels
multiple metaphors that help Jewel figure out what is solid and
knowable versus what must be taken on faith or intuited. . . both
character arcs show a deep respect for readers' abilities to
negotiate the complexities of belief and doubt, and to find meaning
via character reflection.-- "Bulletin of the Center for Children's
Books, March 2014"
Jewel is a multilayered, emotional character . . . . The mixture of
superstition and science creates a wonderful juxtaposition in this
powerful story about loss and moving on.-- "School Library Journal,
January 2014"
Jewel's observant reflections on her rural-Iowa world give this
debut its considerable charm...the strong opening bodes well for
future endeavors.-- "Kirkus Reviews, November 2013"
The voice of 12-year-old Jewel carries readers through this lyrical
and buoyant debut from Crystal Chan. . . . Chan's strong
characterizations and her way with words make her a writer to
watch.-- "Shelf Awareness"
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