Always, Clementine

Starred review from July 11, 2022
Genius rodent Clementine finds her purpose with the help of friends and the game of chess in Sorosiak’s (I, Cosmo) heartfelt, adventure-filled tale. Due to altered DNA, Clementine shines in the lab, where researchers posit that she “could be the smartest mouse in history.” She dreams in Latin, solves mathematical equations, and understands humans’ speech. She also makes her first friend, fellow caged lab denizen Rosie, a gentle, curious chimpanzee. Clementine’s life is upended when a compassionate junior researcher stealthily liberates her and another mouse, Hamlet, to the nearby mailbox of Pop, the kindly host of local TV program Pop’s Hobbies. That’s where she’s discovered by 11-year-old Gus, Pop’s lively and thoughtful grandson, who earnestly promises his protection. Via a series of sensorially written, stirring, and by turns funny and suspenseful imaginary letters to Rosie, Clementine relates her experiences out in the wide world, where Gus, Pop, and a televised game of chess stand to save her from a grim fate back at the lab, which has offered a reward for her return. Maintaining a strong emotional core through Clementine’s voice, Sorosiak explores themes—including animal cruelty, duty, empathy, and intelligence—with a deft, light touch. Human characters largely read as white. Ages 8–12.