A fun children's read: a strong heroine who finds she has magic!

Rose
by Holly Webb
SOURCEBOOKS Jabberwocky

September 2013

I always know a book is exceptional when I find myself anxious to return to it as soon as my chores are done. Rose is one of those outstanding books.

The story involves an admirable and empathetic heroine, who knows her place (rare these days) but who understands the responsibility that may come with her gifts.
A great story line provides creative tension and a challenge that echoes with the reader who will readily engage with the characters.

What's different about this book

Rose is an orphan -- but she isn't an object of our pity. She cares for those around her, and she makes her way forward in the world, confident that working hard and doing what is right will get her where she wants to be: just normal.

The Victorian setting --but in a world where "magics" are a fact of life-- makes Rose's tale all the more intriguing. The author deftly develops a realistic, straight-forward plot that has Rose discovering her own powers in a tingling, fun read.

With enough dramatic build-up to entertain and engage older elementary-aged children, this is an accessible and engaging read that all we adults can readily recommend to our readers, reluctant or not.
 

What I'll do now that I've read the book 

This is definitely a library priority purchase. I will have copies in all my elementary libraries, and I will encourage a lot of my middle-graders to enjoy it as well. A fun, just-right, intriguing read. Thank you, Ms. Webb, and thanks to SOURCEBOOKS for the opportunity to enjoy this! (I understand this may become a series? Very cool.)

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