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Friday, December 30, 2011

Book Review: Breadcrumbs by Anne Ursu

Breadcrumbs by Anne Ursu
Publisher: Walden Pond Press
Publication date: September 2011
ISBN:9780062015051
Source: Library


Jack and Hazel have been best friends ever since Hazel can remember. But when Jack one day disappears, Hazel is sure he has been taken by the white queen and sets off to rescue him. She is sure that when he didn't want to be her friend anymore that it was the queen's influence over him. And she will go to whatever lengths and wherever she must to save him. But what if he doesn't want to be saved?

Things I Liked:
I just loved the fairy-tale-ness of it, but more than that, the realistic view of fairy tales.  It was a balance between the things that can happen in fairy tales and just how uncomfortable or horrifying those things would be in real life.  It was such a sweet and also bitter story about growing up, losing friends, dealing with change, and all those things that can happen to disappoint us when we are 11 (or older).  A beautiful story, filled with beautiful characters and setting.  I really hope this one gets a Newbery honor at least.


Things I Didn't Like:
I admit the first part of the book did not interest me.  I was looking forward to the fairy tale and it seemed like a realistic fiction book initially.  I don't hate those kinds of books, but it wasn't what I expected.  I really loved it eventually and can see how the first part ties into the second, despite its near lack of fairy tale or magical detail.


Read-alikes:
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead
(it also had a bunch more literary allusions throughout that made me happy, including HP, The Golden Compass and other delights)

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: none 

mrg-factor: none 

v-factor: -> 
some frightening details, but not very


Overall rating: **** 

What are your picks for the Newbery?

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

5 comments :

  1. I thought this was a wonderful book and very creatively written. I hope it wins awards too. I really enjoyed the allusions to other books also. Nice review!

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  2. This is on my reading list for next week. Quite looking forward to reading it. Thanks for the review!

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  3. Hmmm, I don't think I'd even heard of this one. I think I'll check it out.

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  4. I love fairy-tale retellings and the read-alikes you mentioned, so I might have to check this out!

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  5. Christina, allusions are so fun!

    Deb, I hope you enjoy(ed) it.

    Jenny, worth a read if you can get your hands on it.

    L.L., it really is a lot of fun.

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