Title: Ophelia and the Marvelous Boy
Author: Karen Foxlee
Genre: Children, Middle, Fantasy, Adventure, Fairy Tale
Ages: 10-14 years
Goodreads Description:
A modern-day fairy tale set in a mysterious museum that is perfect for readers of Roald Dahl and Blue Balliett.
Unlikely heroine Ophelia Jane Worthington-Whittard doesn't believe in anything that can't be proven by science. She and her sister Alice are still grieving for their dead mother when their father takes a job in a strange museum in a city where it always snows. On her very first day in the museum Ophelia discovers a boy locked away in a long forgotten room. He is a prisoner of Her Majesty the Snow Queen. And he has been waiting for Ophelia's help.
As Ophelia embarks on an incredible journey to rescue the boy everything that she believes will be tested. Along the way she learns more and more about the boy's own remarkable journey to reach her and save the world.
A story within a story, this a modern day fairy tale is about the power of friendship, courage and love, and never ever giving up.
Review:
I found this book to be a fun twist on a fairy tale. Although marketed for middle grades, I would hand this book to an upper elementary student depending on their tolerance for a scary book (although many students love scary books). The setting is perfect, as the museum gives a natural air of being a little creepy, especially when the exhibits start to come to life. The main characters are slightly mysterious, especially the marvelous boy and Miss Kaminenski. I loved Ophelia. She is a strong, smart young girl who finds that she is capable of more than she would have thought. The short yet eventful chapters would lend themselves well to a readaloud. Overall, a fast-paced, exciting, delightful story!
*ARC provided by NetGalley.
