Fantastic Fantasies for Young and Old
By Hollie Parry and Cheryl Caldwell
In these waning days of summer, it isn't too late to
lie under a tree and lose yourself in another world. Here are
three books that may have been written for young people, but that
will captivate readers of all ages. Each of them is whimsical,
if not downright fanciful, and each of them is a thoroughly good
read.
Chasing Redbird by Sharon Creech
Thirteen year old Zinnia Taylor tries to sort through
the “spaghetti bowl of her life in search of a meatball.” She
lives in Bybanks, Kentucky, with her large family and an aunt and uncle.
She discovers a mysterious overgrown trail at the edge of her
family’s farm and is determined to clear it to the end.
Zinny, as is her nickname, needs to clear this trail
for reasons unknown to her. She finds it provides a quiet place
for her away from her family where she can hear herself think.
As she uncovers the trail she also uncovers memories, family secrets
and answers to questions she has had about her past, her place
in life and her personal worth. Zinny
discovers that in her tangled up life some journeys must be traveled
alone and this one is a journey that leads her back home.
This story is told from Zinnia’s perspective and is
very touching at times. For anyone struggling to find a place
in their family and in the world this is a tender-hearted story
worth reading. The Southern language invites warmth and humor.
A highly recommended book!
Fish by LS Matthews
Told in first person, Fish is the story of a family
put to the ultimate survival test as they travel across mountains
and deserts to find safety. The child in the story rescues a
fish from a puddle and puts it in a water bottle, just as they
start on their journey. The fish becomes his symbol of survival
and every day the fish survives the journey, so does the boy.
Although the parents humor the boy by letting him keep such a
ridiculous thing as a tiny fish in a water bottle, they are surprised
to watch how saving the fish becomes a family pursuit. This is
a story of miracles, of endurance, and of the power of the human
will to survive. It’s interesting to note that the author of this
book has inserted her political opinions in a very subtle way,
mid-book. Fish is a story that will appeal to readers who enjoy
triumph at the end of a hard struggle.
The Two Princesses of Bamarre by Gail Carson Levine
Princess Addie and Princess
Meryl are the young daughters of an
absentee king and a deceased queen. Meryl is brave and audacious, while Addie
seems cowardly and dreadfully frightened of most things; especially
spiders. Meryl speaks of quests and
adventures, contrasted by Addie ―
who is content to embroider beautiful tapestries and wish for
peace and safety. Meryl yearns to venture
out into the world and find a cure for the dreadful Gray Death
disease, which is claiming the lives of many in the kingdom.
As fate would have it, before she is able to leave for her quest,
Meryl contracts this fatal disease and the task of finding
the cure falls to Addie. Armed with
great love and special gifts, Addie ventures out to outwit and slay a dragon, overcome magical
creatures, and ultimately face her fears to save her sister’s
dwindling life while finding her own. The Two Princesses of
Bamarre is a book with a surprise
ending that shows that love is the ultimate source of courage
and truly does conquer all.
