From the Publisher
[A] family story with its own twist: shapeshifting as an inherited trait. . . . [An] imaginative chapter book . . . [about] the limits of magic and the power of family, friendship, and courage.” — Booklist Online
“Trying to be likable and figuring out her own identity is extra tough when being a Copycat means [Ali] could literally be anyone; it’s an amusing . . . play on adult advice to just be yourself.” — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
“This lightly fantastical novel explores themes of belonging, self-awareness, and individuality with a unique premise about inherited shapeshifting abilities. . . . A story brimming with angst, magic, and drama. . . . A fun and fast-paced romp.” — School Library Journal
Booklist Online
[A] family story with its own twist: shapeshifting as an inherited trait. . . . [An] imaginative chapter book . . . [about] the limits of magic and the power of family, friendship, and courage.
Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
Trying to be likable and figuring out her own identity is extra tough when being a Copycat means [Ali] could literally be anyone; it’s an amusing . . . play on adult advice to just be yourself.
Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
Trying to be likable and figuring out her own identity is extra tough when being a Copycat means [Ali] could literally be anyone; it’s an amusing . . . play on adult advice to just be yourself.
Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
Trying to be likable and figuring out her own identity is extra tough when being a Copycat means [Ali] could literally be anyone; it’s an amusing . . . play on adult advice to just be yourself.
Kirkus Reviews
2019-10-27
How do you navigate middle school when you feel like you can't be yourself?
Ali Sloane is starting seventh grade at, once again, a new school. She's sick of constantly moving and starting over, mainly because it's always so much trouble to make new friends. Bolstered by her appreciation for rules and list-making, her strategy is to be agreeable and get in with the popular kids. Ali also has to deal with a complicated family: Her father, Digger, and her great-grandmother Gigi are Copycats, able to change into other people or animals. But not Ali—although some things may be about to change. Ali attempts to connect with her second cousin, also recently moved to town (who may or may not even know about Copycats), and to finally rectify the generation-spanning Sloane Family Feud. The story, much like the ever present New Brunswick fog, meanders and drags through various plot threads. The fantastical elements are few and far between, and the author at times provides unnecessary explanations to them with no follow-through or leaves them unexplained (a book that can only be read by Copycats who've come into their powers?). The content will most likely be a disappointment to readers looking for a substantial fantasy title. Likewise, there is little gravitas accompanying pivotal discoveries. The protagonist and her family are white, but there are some secondary characters of color.
A pale imitation of a character-driven fantasy story. (Fantasy. 8-13)
