My students describe Through a Clouded Mirror as a Japan Alice in Wonderland. I liked it so much after reading it, I bought two copies for my classroom. I have several Japanese MLLs and they like how Yuki reminds them of themselves. Yuki navigates adolescence, cultural identity, and her move. Beck does a great job of going to and from describing today’s California to a Japanese imperial court.

What sets this book apart is its ability to weave educational elements into an engaging narrative. Several students like this because it explores Japanese culture and has themes of friendship and belonging (similar The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland series).

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the arc. This was another fantastic Miya Beck story.

It's a wonderful fantasy that's reminiscent of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland but set in imperial Japan. It contains poetry, classic Dad jokes, friendships (both old and new), fighting with a parent, losing a parent, and running away. The pace is steady, and it has great imagery in it. Definitely a great MG recommendation.