Sunday, August 25, 2013

Review: The Mysterious Edge of the Heroic World

Title: The Mysterious Edge of the Heroic World
Description: Amadeo has always wanted to discover something that no one knew about. When his new friend William invites him to help prep Mrs. Zender’s house for an estate sale, this might be his chance. 
Review source: ALA
Plot: Amadeo’s friendship with William, his acquaintance with Mrs. Zender, Amadeo’s godfather Peter Vanderwaal, Amadeo’s family—all of these elements weave together to make a story with remarkable depth.
Writing style: Like many others, I was in love with From theMixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler when I was a girl. Now as I read this book as an adult, I saw many of the same themes recur. What makes good art? What is our responsibility toward art? How does the past influence the present? While this book doesn’t have the same siren song (stow away in a museum!), it was thought-provoking and wise.
Audience: Written for YA. Still worth a read.

Wrap-up: This is a fitting last work for a towering figure in children’s lit. She passed away this year at 83, but she hadn’t lost her touch. 4/5*

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