Tuesday, November 10, 2020

The Way Past Winter by Kiran Millwood Hargrave - ESSENTIAL

 

The Way Past Winter by Kiran Millwood Hargrave, 273 pages. Chronicle Books, 2020. $18

Content: G 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ESSENTIAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Five years ago, Mila's father disappeared and eternal winter settled over the land. Mila lives with her two sisters and her brother and their two dogs. One day a stranger comes by and the next day he is gone as well as her brother, Oskar. Mila sets out to rescue her brother. Her little sister insists on coming and they set off in their sealskin dogsled. They meet the mage, Rune, and he helps them on their way. Mila is determined to rescue her brother, even if she has to fight eternal winter, traveling north through the deep snow and bitter cold. On her way she also encounters magic, wolves, avalanches and much more.

The Way Past Winter made me think of the long winters growing up in Norway. It also brought to mind folk tales of the north. I loved the book and the language was especially beautiful and easy flowing. The imagery rich and I could easily "see" the whole story in my mind. Mila is a strong girl that does not give up. I loved this book and I can see that it will become a favorite of many children. This is definitely the book for people who love fantasy, folk lore and fairy tales. Happy reading!

 Ellen-Anita, LMS 

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