THE TEAR COLLECTOR

Bravery and hope fuel this timely climate-fiction fantasy.

Three years ago, Jewish siblings Malka, 12, and Ezra, 10, survived the Great Flood. Now they’re struggling to survive on the Island under the care of Dr. Jonas Hollman. Many Islanders suffer from the Sorrow, a disease that has monstrous effects on the afflicted and takes hold whenever memories overcome a person’s belief in the future. Uncle Jonas researches the illness with help from Malka, who collects tears for the study. The Island’s diverse community of survivors lives under the watchful guard of Mr. Gray, who maintains tight control over all the Sorrowful ones, who have changed beyond recognition. When Olivia, a Latine-presenting girl from Denver who’s about Malka’s age, crashes her plane on the Island, Malka and Ezra are shocked to hear of communities on the Mainland and of the existence of other islands. Olivia questions the Island’s rules and plots her return, but Mr. Gray has other plans for the confident intruder. As Ezra falls ill and the Sorrowful challenge Mr. Gray’s grip, Malka’s role assumes an added urgency. The siblings help Olivia repair her plane, but secrets strain their bond. In a world where nostalgia holds danger, the trio look ahead, facing fearful moments together. This dystopian adventure delivers a balm for climate anxiety in the form of persistence and cooperation. The chapters open with note cards that add worldbuilding details and Iredale’s delicate spot art.

A vivid, emotionally resonant narrative that showcases an unforgettable world.