- 12-year-old girl discovers that another world (which her mother created before her recent death) needs her help
- themes include: dealing with grief, the power of storytelling, reconciliation, forgiveness, rising to the challenge
- convo: several scary or evil creatures; a few bad dreams described; violence includes being caught more than once and thrown into confinement (which never lasts very long); a lady nicknamed “water witch” by her ability to find water with a forked stick (only one mention); main character has attitude problems, but this is (refreshingly) written well and improved upon; a woman is the creator of all things in the other world
- language: stupid x13, brat x2, shut up x1, darn x1, cursing with mild phrases such as “snot rags” and “snarling snot”
Type: middle grade fantasy novel
Ages: 10-14 (11+ for more sensitive readers)
Author: Andrea Cox Christen
Call me impressed! This was a lovely middle grade story, if by no other category, we base it on how many times I thought about it between reads. Christen has an obvious gift for word craft with quippy humor and vivid imagery mixed into the compelling adventure.
The main character has grown up on a Montana ranch, instilling skills that prove helpful in her difficulties in the other world. She makes new friends, has to work through some troubling revelations about her mom’s past, and realistically navigates those big emotions common to her age.
Parents should pre-read or skim-read if their child is on the sensitive side. For my own family, I plan on giving this to my daughter when she turns 11. She’ll be able to handle the intense scenes better, which will lead to a broader enjoyment of the delightful other elements, such as funny moments, storytelling, and unusual friendships.
Happy reading!