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kerrifilippazzo's review
5.0
an amazing story of how two children (and a couple of ghosts) were able to find and unleash the sunlight that was thought to be lost in their dark and unfair world
pastryghost's review against another edition
3.0
★★★
I borrowed this book from the lending library while I was on vacation. I had been meaning to read it, because my professor recommended it, and I was so happy to serendipitously find it!
Po was definitely my favorite. I loved the concept of the ghost, and of bundle, and how they were in-between kind of spirits. The book read a little slowly at first, like books directed at a younger audience will do sometimes, but I think the protagonists really carrie it along. Mo was also a great character, and while I really wanted to know more about, I understand that .
The ending was the most emotional and captivating scene of the book. I was just about ready to cry when it was all over... ;__;
Overall, an enjoyable read! I grew very attached to this book, carrying it with me everywhere during the nine days or so of my vacation. It's a little unlike other things I usually read (I guess I focus more on older characters), but it was sweet and heartfelt, and I liked that a lot.
I want to give it a 3.5, because I enjoyed it, even though it wasn't what I was expecting.
The illustrations are also gorgeous. The book was a real treat with them.
I didn't know this is the same author of the YA "Delirium" series! The afterward following the story was lovely, and I'm very glad it was included.
I borrowed this book from the lending library while I was on vacation. I had been meaning to read it, because my professor recommended it, and I was so happy to serendipitously find it!
Po was definitely my favorite. I loved the concept of the ghost, and of bundle, and how they were in-between kind of spirits. The book read a little slowly at first, like books directed at a younger audience will do sometimes, but I think the protagonists really carrie it along. Mo was also a great character, and while I really wanted to know more about
Spoiler
his missing sisterSpoiler
it's meant to be kept privateSpoiler
I loved the ending when (I assume) he adopts the kids. ;u; so cute...The ending was the most emotional and captivating scene of the book.
Spoiler
(With the return of Liesl's father and Po and Bundle finding their forms)Overall, an enjoyable read! I grew very attached to this book, carrying it with me everywhere during the nine days or so of my vacation. It's a little unlike other things I usually read (I guess I focus more on older characters), but it was sweet and heartfelt, and I liked that a lot.
I want to give it a 3.5, because I enjoyed it, even though it wasn't what I was expecting.
The illustrations are also gorgeous. The book was a real treat with them.
I didn't know this is the same author of the YA "Delirium" series! The afterward following the story was lovely, and I'm very glad it was included.
marisamoo's review
5.0
Hey I remember this book.
I love seeing books from my childhood appear.
I don't remember anything about it except I loved it
I love seeing books from my childhood appear.
I don't remember anything about it except I loved it
lbb00ks's review
Lovely and magical other-worldly fantasy set in a Dickensian past with characters worthy of the best fairy tales, with friendship and good hearts at its core.
readingwithhippos's review
5.0
I never knew a ghost story could be so heart-warming.
Liesl is a little girl, locked in an attic by her evil stepmother. Her parents have both died. Her meals are delivered once a day by a servant. Her life, once beautiful, is now dark and lonely. Liesl's only escape is the drawings she makes while sitting in front of her little attic window.
Will is apprentice to an alchemist, and sometimes at night his deliveries take him past the house where Liesl is held captive. He likes looking up at her window and watching her at work. He likes to imagine she is writing letters to him, even though he knows that's impossible. They don't even know each other.
Everything changes for Liesl the night Po appears. Po is a ghost—a ghost who has been on the Other Side for so long, it can't remember if it was once a boy or a girl. Along with Po comes Bundle, a ghostly pet that might once have been a cat, or possibly a dog. On the Other Side, beings lose their shape and substance over time, so that Po and Bundle appear to Liesl as murky, blurry shadows that come in and out of focus.
Even though Po is a ghost, Liesl is glad for the company. She wants to deliver her father's ashes to their old home, the red house with the willow tree, so that he can be with her mother in peace. Po and Bundle help create a diversion that allows Liesl to escape the attic, and she quickly sets off on her mission.
However, she has no idea that Will has made a critical error in his deliveries—he has mixed up the boxes containing Liesl's father's ashes and a powerful spell created by the alchemist. His mistake sets in motion a chain of events so ridiculous, so remarkable, that magic can be the only explanation.
Pursued across the countryside by a dim-witted but kindly guard, a grouchy old woman, a policeman, the Lady Premiere, the alchemist, and a murderous stepmother, Liesl and Will and their ghostly companions stagger and lurch their way to Liesl's former home. Their journey is the sweetest, most redemptive tale about death you'll ever encounter.
Highest possible recommendation, for kids and adults alike.
Find more of my book recommendations for grades 6-12 at www.read-or-die.com.
Liesl is a little girl, locked in an attic by her evil stepmother. Her parents have both died. Her meals are delivered once a day by a servant. Her life, once beautiful, is now dark and lonely. Liesl's only escape is the drawings she makes while sitting in front of her little attic window.
Will is apprentice to an alchemist, and sometimes at night his deliveries take him past the house where Liesl is held captive. He likes looking up at her window and watching her at work. He likes to imagine she is writing letters to him, even though he knows that's impossible. They don't even know each other.
Everything changes for Liesl the night Po appears. Po is a ghost—a ghost who has been on the Other Side for so long, it can't remember if it was once a boy or a girl. Along with Po comes Bundle, a ghostly pet that might once have been a cat, or possibly a dog. On the Other Side, beings lose their shape and substance over time, so that Po and Bundle appear to Liesl as murky, blurry shadows that come in and out of focus.
Even though Po is a ghost, Liesl is glad for the company. She wants to deliver her father's ashes to their old home, the red house with the willow tree, so that he can be with her mother in peace. Po and Bundle help create a diversion that allows Liesl to escape the attic, and she quickly sets off on her mission.
However, she has no idea that Will has made a critical error in his deliveries—he has mixed up the boxes containing Liesl's father's ashes and a powerful spell created by the alchemist. His mistake sets in motion a chain of events so ridiculous, so remarkable, that magic can be the only explanation.
Pursued across the countryside by a dim-witted but kindly guard, a grouchy old woman, a policeman, the Lady Premiere, the alchemist, and a murderous stepmother, Liesl and Will and their ghostly companions stagger and lurch their way to Liesl's former home. Their journey is the sweetest, most redemptive tale about death you'll ever encounter.
Highest possible recommendation, for kids and adults alike.
Find more of my book recommendations for grades 6-12 at www.read-or-die.com.
dereadergal's review against another edition
5.0
A touching, magical, and adventurous story that is well written and will not only merely entertain the reader, but will strike a personal chord with anyone who has lost a loved one.
chandraleereads's review
4.0
This book is magical, delightful, and at times a bit dark and sad. The audio is read by Jim Dale which I think added to the magic. The physical book has lovely art. I think it’s a win in any format.
internationalkris's review
4.0
A beauty of a book - a ghost story with a quest set in a steam-punk world. Full of creativity and precious characters. A really well-developed novel for the middle-grade crowd.