Written by Lisa Papdemetriou
The magic starts with the Author’s Note at the beginning of the book. Fortunately for readers it continues throughout the story. The story has lots of magic, including a book that shares an interesting story as two girls across the world from each other watch, write in, and see words disappear from the pages.
The Exquisite Corpse is an old parlor game where a folded sheet of paper is given to one person. This person writes the beginning of the story by writing the beginning of a story. The paper is given to the next person. This person adds to the story. Before the story moves on the paper is folded so that the third person only can see the second portion. After writing the next portion the paper is folded so that the last person can only see the third part of the story. That person ends the story. The Exquisite Corpse is part of the magic of this book.
This book is great fun to read. It’s written for young readers, and is just really beautifully shaped. It’s nice how things come together in the story. Some interesting cultural norms are brought out. How we are interconnected is also a theme – as are moths. Characters try to force things at times and the book doesn’t let those things stand. The reader is better able then the characters to see how magic each day can be, and how it’s best to allow the magic to happen.
Okay. Not all the book is magic. There is a lot of scientific stuff about moths and a bit about nature. There is also a relationship between two people who haven’t met in person. The story has wonderful twists. The writing is great fun to read. Enjoy!
Review by Cheryl Baker, Teacher, Mill Creek Elementary
Rating: ★★★★½ (4.5 stars)
Interest Level: Grades 3-6
Author Website: https://lisapapa.com/
A Tale of Highly Unusual Magic
Written by Lisa Papdemetriou
Harper, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers
297 pages
Release Date: October 6, 2015
