The Way Past Winter

This story sparkles like sunlight on freshly fallen snow. It will transport you to a forested land of never-ending winter where Mila and her sisters, having already lost their parents, wake to discover that their brother Oskar has vanished. Before long it becomes apparent that he is far from the only boy to have disappeared . Mila is convinced that their disappearance has something to do with the mysterious and strangely terrifying stranger that called at their home in the dead of night. The adventure that follows will sweep you up like an arctic blizzard and will hold you in its icy grasp until the very last page. The language is beautifully lyrical, the characters are compelling and the setting wildly magical. I devoured this one in a single joyous sitting and the only thing that would have made it more perfect would have been to have read it, not on a blustery autumn day, but in the depths of winter beside a crackling fire. And if this review has not yet convinced you to read it, then I urge you to hold this book in your hands for it truly is a thing of beauty. From the wonderfully Nordic style cover and endpapers by Helen Crawford-White to the ribbon page marker and short chapters with plenty of white space on the page (something many of my readers particularly appreciate), it will be the answer to many a Christmas shopper's prayers. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if Father Christmas himself had put in a bulk order. 256 pages / Recommended for ages 9-13 / Reviewed by Emily Marcuccilli, School Librarian-

Suggested Reading Age 11+