The Legend of Koolura

The Legend of Koolura is a fantasy about a young girl’s metamorphosis into adolescence.

Koolura isn’t an ordinary girl. She has what every child dreams. She has the COOL. Like all preteens, Koolura has doubts about herself. She and her father have relocated so often she has few community ties. Now, at her new school, she feels right at home for the first time in her life.But will these powers be of any use in stopping a stalker intent on her destruction? As the hour approaches for her final confrontation with her nemesis, Koolura may finally find vengeance to the man who killed her mother.

Nancy Curteman, author of Murder Down Under had this to say:

In the “The Legend of Koolura” Michael Thal takes young a readers on an adventure that couples magic super powers with the everyday life of intermediate grade students. Through his main character, Koolura Akopyan, a young sixth grade girl, Thal explores the complexities of school kid friendships, the adjustments needed to manage in today’s multiculture classrooms and the importance of good values.

Koolura is a normal student in Bethune Elementary School. She experiences the same kinds of problems as all the other students. She suffers through poor treatment by snooty girls, comforts a friend whose mother is going through cancer tests and another whose parents are divorcing. She tutors students who can’t read or do math. She worries about grades, tests and homework. Every young reader can identify with Koolura and her friends.

Koolura is also different from other students at Bethune because she has the “Cool.” It gives her super powers. Sadly, it has also forced her to lead the life of a Nomad. A treacherous stalker seeks to destroy her and steal the “Cool” for himself. Koolura’s fearful father has moved her from place to place in an effort to keep her safe.

Koolura’s use of her “Cool” to help her fellow students through their difficulties and her effort to keep one step ahead of Neb, her stalker, is what makes Thal’s book an exciting experience for young readers.

Special note: I taught sixth grade and when I read Thal’s vivid descriptions of school life, I thought I was back in the classroom again.