I first picked up this book because Charlotte had read and liked it, and also because I enjoyed one of the author’s previous books, Mark of the Dragonfly.

The Door to the Lost by Jaleigh Johnson
Long ago, a world that had magic traded it with a world that didn’t.  Then, an explosion killed nearly all the magic and all adult mages in the magical world.  At the same time, a ship full of children from that world appeared in the non-magical world.  With no homes or way to get back to their own world, they’re viewed with great suspicion and scapegoated for the problem that cut off the supply of magic.

Our heroine, Rook, is one of these exiled children.  She and her best friend Drift work around the edges of society, using their forbidden magical skills to eke out a living.  Rook’s ability to draw with chalk doors that will open to other real places is both useful and dangerous, while Drift can fly and control winds.  But when Rook accidentally opens a wrong door, a boy-fox comes through and refuses to leave.  Shortly thereafter, all three are drawn into a quest to stop a second magical explosion, as well, of course, as to find a place of safety and acceptance.  There are also realistic friendship struggles as Fox invades the once-closed relationship between Rook and Drift.  This is creative and adventurous and well worth reading.

This book has been nominated for the Cybils award.  This review reflects my opinion, not that of the Cybils committee.