I’ve been purposefully avoiding all the buzz about Anne Ursu’s new middle grade novel, Breadcrumbs. As with most books I’m planning on reviewing myself, I didn’t want others’ opinions to influence my own, but I also just wanted to know very little about the book before getting into it, because the synopsis itself was very minimal, yet intriguing. From the back of the book:
Once upon a time, Hazel and Jack were best friends. But that was before he stopped talking to her and disappeared into a forest with a mysterious woman made of ice. Now it’s up to Hazel to go in after him. Inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Snow Queen,” Breadcrumbs is a story of the struggle to hold on, and the things we leave behind.”
What I found was complete magic.
Magic, fairy tales, and an alternate reality all come together in a young girl’s world, when the friendship that makes her life feel whole suddenly and inexplicably disappears. Though her active imagination should make her even more wary of going off on her own to make things right, she bravely pushes aside her fears of the darkness of the world and risks everything to save her friend.
Hazel, the fifth grade protagonist, is devastated after Jack, her next door neighbor and long-time best friend, just drops out of her life. There was a slight argument, and then Jack had an accident, and suddenly he was different. The second part of the story leaves the reality with which we are all familiar, but enters a world of characters and fairy tale (the original kind, remember, a la Andersen and the Brothers Grimm) that will surely entertain readers.
My eleven year old son was pulled in to the story immediately, and we read most of the first half aloud together. (Time constraints forced us to finish it separately, but I must make a high recommendation for this as a read aloud!) He says he really liked the story, how unexpected things kept happening, and how it was incredibly imaginative. For me, I was blown away by the writing itself. Beautiful doesn’t even begin to cover it. It was wrought with emotion, and everything that Hazel feels is so perfectly captured in the author’s words. The rich language of the narrative paints a vivid picture, and though my advance copy had several blank pages with the words “Art to come” printed on it, based upon the gorgeous cover, I have confidence that the handful of illustrations included in the novel will be wonderful.
Breadcrumbs is the type of middle grade novel that young readers will enjoy, and their parents (and teachers, too!) will be happy they’re reading. The language and storytelling is complex, and the plot encourages readers to think critically about what is happening, and the many, many literary references dropped throughout the story will make kids chuckle to know that Hazel loves to read the same wonderful books they enjoy, too. I’m joyfully applying our Five Star Reads label to this lovely book, and I hope that both children and their parents will choose to spend some time with Hazel as she heads off on a trail to find her friend.
Two lucky readers will be receiving their own copy of Breadcrumbs, along with bookplates signed by the author Anne Ursu. Please leave a comment here to be entered, and this giveaway is open to residents of the U.S. and Canada. We’ll announce our winners on 10/12. The giveaway is closed.
We have several winners to announce:
- The winner of Guys Read: Thriller is #17 Martha C.
- The winner of I Don’t Know How She Does It is #21 June.
- The winner of Rules of Civility is #10 Rosita.
Don’t miss a thing: Check out our current giveaways. Subscribe to our feed or video reviews on YouTube. Follow us @5M4B on Twitter or on Facebook.
Dawn loves to be swept away by a good book, from novels all the way down to picture books, a good story is a good story. She tells her own story on her blog, my thoughts exactly.
Oh this does sound good. My son is on the cusp between middle-grade and YA fiction — still enjoying some of each. As for me, well, I enjoy some of each, too. We’d love to win a copy of this book. Thanks!
This book sounds amazing. Thanks for the giveaway!
I would love this and so would my students!
Sounds fascinating! I just read The Snow Queen by Mercedes Lackey, so I am interested in finding more versions of this story.
This book sounds delightful! How fun to have a chance to win it. 🙂
My kids would love to red this! Thanks!
Margaret
[email protected]
I have two middle grade grandsons and would LOVE for them to LOVE to read. This sounds like one story that would draw them in.
Your review makes me want to get my hands on this book NOW!
I am always excited for new kids books
What a magical sounding book to read!
I would love to win this for my niece
who is an avid reader…
Many thanks, Cindi
Sounds good. Count me in. Thanks for the chance!
My daughter would love this – she reads voraciously!
Perfect read for any child of that age.
I’d love to win this for my granddaughter. I know she would really enjoy it! Thank you!
This book sounds so amazing! I’ve been lusting after it for a really long time! Want want want. Thanks for the giveaway!
Glad to here you loved it. This review makes me want it even more. I wish our copy would come in at the library already!
Congratulations, Britt- you’re one of our winners. Please email me at morninglightmama (at) gmail (dot) com with your mailing information!
This sounds like an amazing tale about growing up for young kids. I love the references to literature throughout the book. Sounds like one amazing read.
terilhack at gmail dot com
Congratulations, Teri- you’re our other winner. Please email me at morninglightmama (at) gmail (dot) com with your mailing information!
The cover caught my eye but the description sounds like this book is rich in detail and storytelling. My kids would love it.
This sounds like a great book. thanks for the chance to win one
I have a student I really want to give this book to.
I really want to read this one. I love stories inspired by fairy tales or simply ones that are being retold. I love the new perspective on.
I would love to read this aloud with my son too! It sounds like a great book.
It’s been a long time since I took my lunch hour to finish a children’s book!! Ever since Donalynn blogged about it during the summer I have been waiting for it to arrive in my Kindle. I wish I had a hard copy now too! My students will love this!
I’ve heard such great things about this book! Thanks for the giveaway!
Ooh this looks good! Always looking for a book to read with my 9 yo!
This sounds great. I always donate all my YA novels after I am done reading to our Middle School/High School Library. This would be great to read and pass on!
I’ve had this book on my list for a while. I’ve been seeing the buzz all over the blogasphere.
This sounds fun and intriguing!
looks like a great read.
Thanks for the giveaway! This book is a must read.
I would love to receive Breadcrumbs! It sounds like a wonderful read!
I just read an excerprt of BREADCRUMBS this morning. I’d like to share this with my niece and nephew. Thanks for the chance to win a copy!
I’d love a copy to put in my library.
This sounds perfect for my great nieces.
lkish77123 at gmail dot com
A great book to add to my library at school. The kids will eat this one up!
This would be perfect for my granddaughter! I’d love to be entered.
pbclark(at)netins(dot)net
I am an avid reader. Love getting lost in a story. Hoping my boys will also develop a passion for reading. Sounds like a wonderful story!
5 stars and it does sound magical to me too!
Great giveaway, thanks!
Please enter my name.
Thank you.
Another good review that peaks my interest! Enter my name please!
Looking forward to reading this one!
mearley1979 at gmail dot com
Count me in!
my daughter would love this.