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3.99 AVERAGE
3.99 AVERAGE
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
dark
hopeful
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
adventurous
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I would give this a 3.5. I really liked the beginning which focused on the Russian folkloric witch Baba Yaga as psychopomp (guide to the land of the dead) and her lively young granddaughter, the narrator, who doesn't want to spend her whole life being a psychopomp or living in a house with chicken feet that walks to new places as the spirit moves it. (By the way, yes, that is one traditional interpretation of Baba Yaga--being the librarian I am, I just had to look it up!) But the ending was a classic case of the author wanting to have it both ways in a way that didn't make sense, and grasping for a happy ending, I guess because her audience is children. I don't want to ruin it by saying more.
This was a wonderful family read aloud! Heartfelt and weird in the best way.
3.5 stars rounded down. An interesting retelling of the Baba Yaga story, with great side characters, especially the house itself. The flow was uneven for me. It varied between getting tired of the main character’s complaining and swift turns in the plot. Every time I found myself getting bored, the plot would take a left turn and be interesting again. I honestly didn’t see where this book would end, which is unusual for a middle grade plot. It gave me Under the Whispering Door by TJ Klune vibes.
emotional
sad
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
So sad. Cried a lot
fast-paced
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This is a charming book. Has an air of Dianna Wynne Jones about it. I’d say if you enjoyed her Chrestomanci series, I’d give this a go.