Jepo, Who Defied the Stars by Katherine Marsh-ADVISABLE

Marsh, Katherine, Jepp, Who Defied the Stars. Hyperion, 2012. Pgs. 385. Language: G, Violence: PG, Sexual Content: G

 When 15-year-old Jepp, a dwarf in the late 16^th century, wakes up to find himself beaten badly and in a cage, he finds himself caught between the pull of the past, the promise of the future, and the forces of fate and free will. As time passes, Jepp begins to recall the events that led him to where he is, from his humble upbringing in an inn to becoming a court dwarf (a position of humiliation, danger, and opportunity entwined). As a court dwarf, he had experience great injustices in Coudenberg Palace along with his friend, Lia. He managed to escape with his friend only to be imprisoned again and spirited across the sea to a place in Europe only to become nothing more than a pet dog to an astronomer by the name of Tycho Brahe. Will Jepp overcome his fate and become a person he can respect?

 Although the third section pales in comparison a bit to the first two, readers will easily sympathize and like Jepp and his humorous, self-deprecating personality. In addition to to a well-crafted main character, Katherine recreates a fantastic world that draws the reader in. The plot is gripping, balanced, unique, and well-developed. Readers who like historical fiction, adventure, and good characters will enjoy reading this book. MS, HS. ADVISABLE. Reviewer: Kira M, Youth Services Librarian, WHI Public Library.