The Big Freeze

Diary of an Ice Princess #4

by Christina Soontornvat

The time has come for Princess Lina to choose her special magical weather specialty. Her cousin Jack Frost makes amazing snowflakes. Her Uncle Lee forms ice caves in glaciers. Her Great-Aunt Sunder creates winter storms on polar seas.

Gulp.

Everyone has chosen something so impressive. Lina's not sure what she's going to do-- but she's determined to make her mark in a big way!

Genres: Fantasy, Chapter Books, Childrens, Middle Grade, Family, Fiction

128 pages, Paperback

Published March 3, 2020

About the author

Christina Soontornvat grew up behind the counter of her parents’ Thai restaurant in a small Texas town with her nose stuck in a book. She is very proud of both her Thai and her Texan roots, and makes regular trips to both Weatherford and Bangkok to see her beloved family members (and eat lots and lots of Thai food!). Christina is the author of the fantasy middle grade series, The Changelings, and the early chapter book series, Diary of an Ice Princess. Her forthcoming books include the middle grade fantasy, A Wish in the Dark, and All Thirteen, a nonfiction account of the Thai Cave Rescue.

In addition to being an author, Christina holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering and a master’s degree in Science Education. She spent a decade working in the science museum field, where she designed programs and exhibits to get kids excited about science. She is passionate about STEM (science, technology engineering, and math), and loves learning new things. She lives in Austin, Texas with her husband, two young children, and one old cat.

Reviews

[Hayden · Rating 3 out of 5]

Writing is art too. Lina learns that and writes a poem for her art project which I love.

[Mandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Childrens First Chapter book, light fantasy. Let me start by saying this is book 4 in the series and I have not read any of the previous books. This thin little book had a lot going on-- much more than I expected. Lina is part of a magical family that lives in the sky and controls the weather. Everyone else in the book is non-magical. Lina attends a regular school with strict instructions to keep her magic to herself. So when her assignment is to create an art project that shares something of herself, she is stumped. Lina loves science and magic, but neither work for an art project. On top of that, her grandfather is asking her to choose what her specific weather power will be. Elementary school seems awfully early to think about a career path, but he insists she is ready. So Lina finds herself under a lot of stress. Of course everything all works out, with Lina coming up with last-minute ideas for both er project ad her weather role. This book discusses different forms of art, knowing yourself, and trying again after making mistakes.

[Annamarie Carlson (she, her)]

Lina has got a lot to figure out in just a few days! Her teacher at her human school wants her to create a piece of art representing Lina. Lina loves science and magic--but science won't work for her project, and she can't reveal her magical secret at her human school. Lina is stumped, but she doesn't have too much time to focus on her art project because her grandfather wants Lina to pick her forever task. Her grandfather directs wind currents. Her mother brings the spring rains. Her cousin, Jack, makes intricate lace-like artwork out of ice. What does Lina want to do? And is she really ready to pick the job she wants to do...forever?

This series is fun with a great combination of humor, everyday school adventures, magic powers, and a lovely message of self-acceptance. Plus, this series stars a biracial main character, is written by a diverse author, AND is a fantasy series--a combination very hard to come by in first chapter books. Recommending to anyone and everyone.

[Becky B · Rating 3 out of 5]

Princess Lina is feeling a bit stressed. She has a major art project at school that is supposed to be "an expression of what makes you special," but everything that Lina can think of is secret stuff she can't talk about. On top of that her Grandpa has decided it is time for Lina to choose her special Task for how she'll use her powers in the world.

Another cute adventure with an undercover magical ice princess. The artwork in this is cute, and those fantastic in nature, Lina's problems are still at their core relatable for kids. Hand this to kids who like fantasy fiction and princess stories.

[Kathie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series has been extremely popular in my library, which delights me because I think it's so well written. I find many princess stories are lacking in substance, but once again the author finds a way to develop Lina's character in an entertaining way that models positive conflict resolution.

In this story, Lina must be an art project for school called "This is Me". She struggles with how to artistically depict herself when so many of her interest are magical and she can't discuss them at school. At the same time, her grandfather wants her to consider her first task, and think about what she wants to do with her magic. The pressure to decide how she wants to spend her life is stressful, until she learns from her parents that she is able to change her mind, and she should treat herself with the kindness she would give to a friend.

If you're not familiar with this series, I suggest you check it out, and if you are, this is another excellent title to add to your collection.

[Natalie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lina is is an ice princess with magical winter powers that have to stay secret as she attends a Groundling, aka normal, school. Lina is stressed about her art project that is due, as well as the ceremony in which she has to choose what her task/job will be as an ice princess. She’s so not artistic, how will she complete this big art project? Will she disappoint Grandfather if she can’t decide on her task? How will she overcome the pressure and expectations she’s set on herself for both tasks?

[Viviane Elbee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book - the fourth in the series about an Ice Princess. In this one she is supposed to make an art project and pick a job that she will do as a winterheart. It's a lot of stress and pressure, and her parents give her a good tip to deal with the stress. I might even have to try that tip on myself!

[Charles · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book. It finds a fun way to express the pressures of when home commitments and school commitments can build and make your life feel out of control. There are some great lessons in here for dealing with stress but they're wrapped up and easily consumable by younger audiences.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lina feels under pressure to choose her future job as a Winterheart and to express herself creatively for a school art assignment.

Still such a fun series!

[Genesis]

It was nice.

[Leila Followell · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was awesome. I hope I get the 5th one.