After Winna's little sister breaks her glasses, her grandfather gives her an old—timey pair
of spectacles that belonged to her great—aunt Estelle. The specs are silver and perfectly
circular, with tiny stars on the bridge and earpieces that curl all the way around her ears.
Best of all, they're magic.
When Winna makes a wish beginning with the words "What if" ——that is, when she
speculates—— the spectacles grant it. Winna wishes she could see ghosts . . . and soon
she meets not only the real Estelle, but Estelle's mother, Winona. Nearly a century
before, Winona escaped from slavery and ran north with her baby, Key. But Key was
stolen from her under mysterious circumstances, and now Estelle and Winona have an
important mission for Winna: Find Key.
This beautifully written historical fantasy by an award—winning science fiction author
offers new twists and turns in every chapter and will leave you looking at your own
family's roots with new eyes.
Nisi Shawl is a multiple—award—winning writer and editor. Their novel Everfair was
nominated for the Nebula Award for Best Novel, and the short story collection Filter
House won the James Tiptree Jr. Award. In 1997, they cofounded the Carl Brandon
Society to help give people of color greater visibility in the science fiction and fantasy
worlds, and their "Writing the Other" workshops and accompanying book (co—created
with Cynthia Ward) have taught thousands of writers new ways of thinking about
diversity and representation within fiction.
Nisi received the Kate Wilhelm Solstice Award for Lifetime Achievement from the
Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America in 2019. Speculation is their first novel
for young readers. Born near Kalamazoo, Michigan, Nisi now lives near Seattle. Find
them online at nisishawl.com and on Twitter at @nisishawl.
Key Selling Points
— The first children's novel by Nisi Shawl, an acclaimed novelist and short story
writer who has been nominated for or won multiple awards from the science
fiction and fantasy communities.
— Inspired by Edward Eager's light fantasy novels (e.g. Half Magic) where a child
finds a magical object that takes them on an adventure . . .
— . . . but with a Black protagonist, and a uniquely American fantasy and family
history as a result.
— The rare children's novel to include magic rooted in the lore of enslaved African
Americans.
Updates Available: Updates Available: Update available for Picture Gallery Module