Clairboyance - by Kristiana Kahakauwila (Hardcover)

About the Book

Freaky Friday meets 11 Before 12 in Clairboyance, a middle grade novel with a touch of magic which follows Clara, a girl whose life is turned upside down when she discovers that she has boy-specific ESP abilities.

Book Synopsis

Asian/Pacific American Honor for Children's Literature

A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection

Perfect for fans of Debbi Michiko Florence and Lisa Greenwald, Clairboyance's heartfelt and sweet coming of age story with a touch of magic follows Clara as her life is turned upside down when she discovers that she has boy-specific ESP abilities.

After accidentally wishing on a family heirloom to hear what boys are thinking, Clara wakes up the next day able to do just that. Every idea, every worry, every generous or petty thought crossing their minds--somehow, they now form a chorus of voices in hers.

But why couldn't her newfound powers have arrived sooner? Then, maybe, she could have stopped her ex-best friend Leo from betraying her and ditching her for the more popular kids. At least her dad is open to the idea of moving her off O'ahu and out to Arizona to be with him.

If Clara can use what she hears to solve her problems, then her powers might just be able to make up for lost time--but instead, she ends up making a bigger mess of everything. While scrambling to fix her mistakes, Clara must question old friendships, enter into new ones, and try to figure out what makes a home, and if she is willing to leave hers behind.

Review Quotes

"A beautiful celebration of Hawai'i, including family, community, history, and the land." - Kirkus Reviews
"Kahakauwila crafts a love letter to Hawaiian culture, identity, and landscape and captures the uncertainty and confusion of navigating middle school, fashioning a heartfelt debut that emits positivity, optimism, and warm vibes." - Publishers Weekly
"Kahakauwila's superpower is to create a coming-of-age story full of compassion and insight." - John David Anderson, author of Posted
"A moving tribute to the place we call home." - Malia Maunakea, author of Lei and the Fire Goddess
"A truly engaging story." - Marie Arnold, author of The Year I Flew Away and I Rise
"This hilarious and heartfelt middle grade novel answers the age-old question: What are boys really thinking?! Providing necessary AANHPI representation, humor, and instant middle school appeal, this novel is a first purchase." - School Library Journal (starred review)
"Readers are reminded of the importance of family, history, and culture in the context of an entertaining tween narrative. A welcome addition to Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) literature for young people." - Horn Book Magazine