Title: Susannah of Coppermopolis
Author: Catherine Folsom
Publisher: Newsman Springs Publishing
ISBN: 9781645318859
Pages: 82
Genre: Fantasy
Reviewed by: Lily Amanda
Pacific Book Review
Susannah of Coppermopolis is an imaginative and creative middle-grade fantasy novel written by Catherine Folsom. The citizens of United Caves Society had lived below Earth’s ground for three generations. The world above the cave ceilings had become uninhabitable for plant and animal life. Susannah, a twelve-year-old student always longed for the world above. She hoped that someday, she would help restore the Earth’s equilibrium for safe inhabiting. As the school year begins, the science teacher, Ms. Klingle, informs Susannah and her classmates about the school’s science fair competition. The previous year, Susannah had emerged as the winner in the contest and hoped her team would win again this year.
However, things didn’t seem to look up for Susannah as Ms. Klingle teams her up with her friend Cornelia who has no interest in science, Edward, a shy and quiet boy, and Martin who is focused on evening practice. She also has personal problems as her best friend, Agnes, stopped talking to her and is always hostile towards her. Will Susannah’s team win? Will Susannah’s overbearing nature make her teammates shy away from giving their ideas on the project? What happened to Agnes and why is she always mean to her?
Author Catherine Folsom has answered these questions that arise in a reader’s mind with great prose. Just like any other fantasy novel, Susannah of Coppermopolis is peppered with imagined fantasy elements, but what makes this book stand out from all the rest is these elements do not override the storyline which is written around a framework of moral guidance.
The most refreshing aspect of the story is how the author reaches out to children with crisp and simple language which does not exceed their vocabulary range. This, she does, as she explores heavy themes across the chapters such as friendship, forgiveness, responsibility, and hard work. The main character, too, is a strong-willed and intelligent girl that readers will fall in love with. I found the novel’s length to be perfect for young readers as well.
Susannah of Coppermopolis by Catherine Folsom is a truly edifying and entertaining novel which would make for a fantastic class book in a classroom setting. I hope Catherine creates a sequel for this book in future!
