Teen Tuesday: Shadowshaper by Daniel José Older

Shadowshaper by Daniel José Older. Shadowshaper Cipher series #1. 304 p. Scholastic Inc., 9780545591614. (Own)

Older made his YA debut with this series beginner set in Brooklyn, New York. Summer's coming and Sierra, our take-no-prisoners heroine looks forward to spending it painting a giant mural on the walls of an ugly high-rise in her neighborhood. She lives with her extended family, including a grandfather who is bedridden and non-communicative after a stroke. When he suddenly starts speaking, his words make no sense but he is definitely warning Sienna about the many murals around Brooklyn and the fact that they are fading. Turns out, Sienna descends from the Shadowshapers, artists who are able to channel friendly spirits into art. Evil, is infiltrating Brooklyn and it's up to Sienna and the remaining Shadowshapers to rise against it. Beautiful world-building and gripping suspense will leave readers eager for the next installment.