Monday, December 5, 2011

MMGM: BREADCRUMBS

The omniscient narrator in Anne Ursu's BREADCRUMBS reminds me of the narrator in THE TALE OF DESPEREAUX. Describing it as lyrical doesn't seem enough. The story starts out gently and crescendoes multiple times until you hear ice cracking.


Breadcrumbs

You'll recognize bits and pieces of other stories, especially fairy tales, but the stories are twisted. When Hazel tells a boy in the woods "I don't understand this place," he says: "You can't understand it. People think there should be rules, or order." Bad things happen to those people. Actually, bad things happen to everyone who goes into the woods, but Hazel has to go through it to save her best friend, even though everyone keeps telling her he doesn't want to be saved.


This is another one I'd like to see up for the Newbery. Hazel's struggle to be a good friend and daughter brought tears to my eyes more than once. She's a character that young readers (and older ones, too) will relate to.  


If you'd like to read about more Marvelous Middle Grades, the following people would love to oblige you: 

14 comments:

  1. I've heard of this and want to read it. Thanks for spotlighting it.

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  2. Sounds very interesting. As soon as I can remember my pin for the library website, I'll have to request it.

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  3. I am hoping to read this one over Christmas break. It sounds SO good!

    Shelley

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  4. I bought this one and going to read it this month. I can't wait :)

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  5. I can't say enough about how much I loved this book. It has so many levels of beauty, and I, too, am hoping it's on the Newbery list.

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  6. I love the sounds of this. Secrets and woods make everything so much better! I'll have to check it out.
    PS I MMGM too!

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  7. I've certainly heard a lot of great things about this book. Maybe I'll try it again sometime.

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  8. Thanks for sharing this one! It's high on my to read list, that's for sure.

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  9. I have heard really great things about this one. Nice review.

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  10. love this "The story starts out gently and crescendoes multiple times until you hear ice cracking."

    Putting it on my list. Sounds lovely. Strong one word title.

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