Spin
A Chicago Public Library Teen-Approved Best Book of 2023
“A powerful feminist retelling of an ancient tale about empathy and defiance, written in beautiful verse from a truly unique viewpoint.” —Margarita Engle, Newbery Honor–winning author of The Surrender Tree and Young People’s Poet Laureate
The Song of Achilles and Circe get a sapphic, young adult twist in this “exciting, richly textured, thought-provoking” (Kirkus Reviews, starred review) retelling of the myth of Arachne spun in moving verse.
Arachne is a homely girl with no claims to divinity or fortune, ostracized by all but her family and closest friend, Celandine. Turning to her loom for solace, Arachne learns to weave, finding her voice and her strength through the craft. After a devastating loss, Arachne and Celandine flee to the city of Colophon, where Arachne’s skills are put to the test. Word of her talent spreads quickly, leading to a confrontation with the goddess Athena, who demands that Arachne repent for her insolence and pride.
But Arachne will not be silenced. She challenges Athena, and a fateful weaving contest ensues, resulting in an exposé of divine misdeeds, a shocking transformation, and unexpected redemption.
A brilliant weaver of words, author Rebecca Caprara transforms an ancient myth into a sweeping novel in verse, unraveling the tales that frame Arachne as a villainess and deliver a timely story of long-awaited justice.
Book At A Glance
# of Pages: 400
Book Binding: Paperback
Year of Publication: 2024
Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers
Language: en
ISBN: 9781665906203
Creator Bio
Rebecca Caprara is an American author who grew up in a small town in Massachusetts. She has always been an avid reader and writer, and her love for storytelling led her to pursue a degree in Creative Writing from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. After graduating, she worked in the publishing industry before deciding to focus on her own writing. Caprara's debut novel, "Spin," was inspired by her fascination with roller derby and her desire to tell the story of a strong, determined female protagonist. In addition to writing, she also enjoys traveling, baking, and spending time with her family. "Spin" is her first published novel.
