Book description
“A brooding, Dickensian novel with a touch of fantasy and a glimmer of hope. . . . As mysterious and timeless as a fairy tale.” — Booklist (starred review)
Laura Amy Schlitz’s Newbery Honor–winning Victorian gothic is a rich banquet of dark comedy, scorching magic, and bewitching storytelling. Clara Wintermute,…
Why read it?
1 author picked Splendors and Glooms as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?
This book is not a fairy tale, per se, but it shares many of the elements of fairy tales. Set in 19th century Europe, the novel is filled with starving orphans, a child transformed into a doll, a wicked puppet master, an evil witch, and a magic necklace. This book combines two of my favorite genres, historical fiction and fantasy, and includes mystery and magic at every turn. I could read this book again and again!
From Tara's list on The best middle grade books for kids who love fairy tales.
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