This is a book that will continue to resonate with readers for years to come, and provide great conversation to librarians and readers alike. DiCamillo weaves a strong moment in history with almost magical moments and stories within stories. Even so, the book seems perfectly situated for its audience–not too complicated, but interwoven enough to intrigue the older end of the Newbery spectrum. If so, she would be the first person in the century of Newbery medalists to be a three-time winner. While this title is an obvious contender–based on the overall themes and DiCamillo’s background–it might be hard to convince a committee of broad readers to give her a third Medal. p 15īeatryce, caught in her fever, captured by her dream, turned from side to side, working to escape. In the dim barn, it was hard to gauge subtleties of emotion, particularly in the eyes of a being who had seldom before evidenced subtleties of any sort, but Brother Edik thought he recognized the flicker in the goat’s eye. The writing is a sort of rhythmic meditation that feels rooted in its time period and almost mesmerizing to the modern reader.
Coupled together, this book feels like a gift, something to be treasured and re-read, even more so than DiCamillo’s other books. Sophie Blackall’s illustrations do an excellent job of supporting the tone of the novel-bringing the illustrated manuscript style into the 21st century with care and impressive detail, but without making it untenable to young readers.
By the end of the tale, readers will be tearing up at the power of words and reminded of why DiCamillo already has two Newbery Medals. It will remind long-time Newbery winners of THE MIDWIFE’S APPRENTICE by Karen Cushman and CRISPIN: CROSS OF LEAD by Avi, but of course has DiCamillo’s signature wit, humor, and a protagonist you’ll root for. This story-loving story feels familiar in a warm, inviting way.
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