"See the book that Writer's digest dubbed: " Cynder in the Garden of Lapis is a very readable and clever tale of a young teenager faced with the typical teen adolescent angst, a young woman who loves gardening and ponders endless questions about her missing father. The volume is dialogue-driven, and there are very nice touches involving fairies big and small, dreams, a strange box of tokens and symbols, and even a kidnapping. (I enjoyed) The whimsy of the first part of the book, as the protagonist comes to discover the spirits, and sprits of her garden, as well as her own personal powers. I especially liked the elements of discovery that are spread throughout the book as each time Cynder learns something new or meets someone different. There is an airy feel to the formatting, and the cover is especially impactful a very relevant image that teases to what may lie inside... I also liked the fact that some of the surprise discoveries happen to characters other than the protagonist. I also like the discussion and writing prompts at the end. The latter is an especially nice touch for this novel and its YA audience. Cynder in the Garden of Lapis, will open your mind to realms and dimensions that you didn't know were possible. Join 14-year-old, Cynder Zappa, as she tries to figure out where she belongs in the world. Suspicious that her mother is practicing magic and may be a witch, she tries to stay clear of her mother's realm of magic. Not knowing anyone in her family, but her mother, Cynder sets out to find her father and the story behind her maternal grandmother. What secret is so painful that her mother cannot talk about it? Cynder refuses to follow in the footsteps of the women in her family. Until now. Cynder meets a fairy in the garden who directs her to the magic box for answers. Cynder cautiously goes to the box and finds many life changing discoveries. She is thrown into a world that is dangerous and magical, and is compelled to help save an autistic boy that is in danger and cannot help himself. What special connection does she have with this boy? Will Cynder find all that she is looking for in a family? Will she put herself in danger to know more? Will she learn to focus on other things in life outside of her own needs?