Starboard by Nicola Skinner

Abstract

Reviewed by: Starboard by Nicola Skinner Aaren Tucker Skinner, Nicola Starboard. Harper, 2023 [416p] Trade ed. ISBN 9780063071735 $19.99 E-book ed. ISBN 9780063071759 $10.99 Reviewed from digital galleys R* Gr. 4-6 Eleven-year-old Kirsten Bramble is a reality TV star, but her show has become less popular as of late, and it’s even had to change networks after Kirsten’s public outburst during a photoshoot damaged the Bramble brand. Her publicity team has a plan for damage control, but in the meantime Kirsten is still a kid in school on a regular field trip to visit the SS Great Britain. Like Kirsten, the iron ship was also once the nation’s sweetheart, but it has now been converted into a museum and permanently docked in Bristol—that is until Kirsten stumbles upon the captain’s cabin and a talking map that reads people. According to the map, Kirsten is quite lost, and before she knows what’s happening, the SS Great Britain is off on a voyage to find her. The only people on board are Kirsten, her former best friend, [End Page 337] and a crew of living mannequins all convinced that Kirsten is now their captain. This wistful UK import is a combination of James and the Giant Peach and Pixar’s Inside Out starring Kirsten as a reluctant adventurer surrounded by TV executive sharks who exploit and manipulate her. Accepting captaincy of the SS Great Britain helps Kirsten to reclaim the control that has been taken from her, and her coming-of-age is cleverly woven in with the steam ship’s background; an author’s note clarifies which parts of the ship’s history are fact and fiction. Skinner writes with a deep compassion for her characters—including the inhuman ones—and this remarkable fantasy remains grounded in dry humor and emotional truth. Perfect for fans of Neil Gaiman, Kirsten’s fantastical adventure on the high seas is a true treasure to read. Copyright © 2023 The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois