Fantasy coming of age

Grayling’s Song

By Karen Cushman

Age Range: 10 - 12 years

Grade Level: 5 - 7

Hardcover: 224 pages

Publisher: Clarion Books (June 7, 2016)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 0544301803

ISBN-13: 978-0544301801

Lexile Measure: 800

 

Publisher’s Blurb:

It’s time for Grayling to be a hero. Her mother, a “wise woman”—a sort of witch—has been turned into a tree by evil forces. Tangles and toadstools! Lacking confidence after years of being called “Feeble Wits” by her mother, Grayling heads off dubiously into the wilds in search of help, where she finds a weather witch, an aromatic enchantress, a cheese soothsayer, a slyly foolish apprentice, and a shape-shifting mouse named Pook! A fast-paced and funny coming-of-age odyssey from a Newbery medalist. 

 

My Thoughts:

I didn’t completely get into this one. It was…fine. I enjoyed Grayling’s progression as she learned of her own strengths and abilities. I did not like the portrayal of her mother—you can see why Grayling might have had a little self-esteem problem. I liked the hints of a possible future for Grayling.

 

The book is well-written, and the plot progresses well, with twists that are not outlandish. The falling action, however, seems a bit rushed. I understand what happens, it just seems like it happens in a big hurry.

 

Pook is adorable, whatever state he’s in, and I was sad when his shape-shifting days ended.

 

The world is believable, although the antagonist—such as she is—is such a flat and static character that it is difficult to really believe in the conflict in the first place.

 

I have not read other books by this author. The fact that she is a Newbery medalist would indicate that she’s pretty good. For me, though, this book was a little bit of a miss.

 

Possible Objectionable Material:

Magic. An enchantress that is irresistible to men. A child being sent off on a quest. Perilous/scary situations.

 

Who Might Like This Book:

Fantasy fans. Those who like coming of age. The publisher’s suggested age range is appropriate. Most characters are female, but there’s nothing particularly girly about the book.

 

Thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC.