Everland by Wendy Spinale - ESSENTIAL

Spinale, Wendy Everland, 320 pages.  Scholastic Press, MAY 2016.  $18.  Language: G, Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (honestly, I was so caught up in the story that I didn’t keep track of the violence – it may be PG-13).

Gwen, her sister Joanna, and their little brother Mickey are barely surviving in a London that has been devastated by a deadly disease that was unleashed by the tyrannical queen of Germany.  They have been hiding an accepting help from no one, until an encounter with Pete and Belle, who help them escape from Captain Hook and his Marauders, show them a whole other side, or under side, of the city.  Things are about to rapidly change from bad to worse, however.

I am always a little skeptical about Neverland rewrites, but there was no need for skepticism this time.  Spinale has crafted a masterpiece of fiction.  If you hade never seen a Peter Pan movie or knew nothing about the story, you would still treasure this book.  Having read and seen many such items, I enjoyed the appearance of every single detail that she wove into her narrative.  This is a must read for anyone who lieks alternate history, fantasy, or even steampunk.  The eye-catching cover will sell it on its own and the story will satisfy your soul. I’m adding this to my personal favorites.

MS, HS – ESSENTIAL.  Cindy, Library teacher