The Big Tournament

Gr 4 Up–A fun space traveling story about a young girl who unearths a cover-up to a major intergalactic scheme. Magda, 12, has arrived on planet Tamaris after winning a cooking competition on her home moon planet Azuki. The prize for winning the competition is Nectar: a “bluish-gold” substance which has the ability to do wondrous things. However, Magda learns the competition is a front for a secret meeting where Nectar is used to take over Azuki. Wouters depicts Magda as a loveable character who is brave and empathetic. When she participates in a surprise challenge with her roommate Hector, an animal is overfed during the competition and Magda realizes the people of Tamaris do not care about their wildlife. The bird’s mistreatment hurts her so much that she cries and wants to quit. However, when Magda uncovers the secret plan, she puts aside her feelings to do what she feels is right to ensure that the Nectar won’t go to the wrong hands. Van Gheluwe’s cartoonish illustrations are vibrant and detailed. The planets have their own unique atmospheres, and the illustrations make each setting feel distinctive from the next. Readers will be eager to learn how Magda will continue to grapple her feelings and stay the course in the next installment of this series.