★ The Floating Island – Joya once was a floating island, going wherever the sea currents and winds took it. What a fabulous idea. Imagine waking up to mountains one day and deserts the next.

★ The Mythology – The island myth of Arinta, the warrior girl and the fire demon Yote is a story within a story.

★ The Friendships – It’s an unlikely set of friendships between Lupe and Isabella, and Isabella and Pablo, but it works simply because they are so different.

★ The Cartography – Maps tell their own story, and the ones in this book have secrets too.

★ The Look – I’m a sucker for a beautiful book, and this one is lovely with artwork edging every page, gorgeous maps and very white, fine paper. It makes you feel good just to be holding it.