Why read Breadcrumbs?

Book cover of Breadcrumbs

Book description

The winner of numerous awards and recipient of four starred reviews, Anne Ursu's Breadcrumbs is a stunning and heartbreaking story of growing up, wrapped in a modern-day fairy tale.

Once upon a time, Hazel and Jack were best friends. But that was before he stopped talking to her and disappeared…

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Why read it?

2 authors picked Breadcrumbs as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Stephanie Willing

Author

The first half of the book takes place in Minnesota, and the second half is in a fairy tale world peopled by Hans Christian Anderson characters.

It’s a jarring reading experience, probably similar to how Hazel (our main character) feels when her best friend Jack seemingly doesn’t want to be friends with her anymore. When Jack follows a strange ice woman into the forest and disappears, Hazel goes after him to bring him back.

As magical as this book is, Jack’s disappearance and Hazel’s pursuit have real-world consequences, and this blurring of fairy tale and friendship is one of the…

From Stephanie's list on where the magic and monsters are real.

Jessica Lawson

Author

Breadcrumbs by Anne Ursu is one of my very favorite books to read over and over. It’s a modern-day story inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s The Snow Queen, a classic fairy tale. Hazel and her best friend Jack have gotten to a point in their age where they feel as though they’re drifting apart. Hazel feels very isolated and alone, but when Jack goes missing, Hazel sets out on a dangerous adventure to save him…and their friendship. This story touches on so many topics: growing up, friendship, adoption, grieving, change, and above all, hope.

From Jessica's list on middle grade retellings of classics and fairytales.