Format :
Library CD (In Stock)
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2 Formats: CD
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2 Formats: Library CD
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ISBN: 9781664427815
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ISBN: 9781664535640
| Runtime: | 4.55 Hours |
| Category: | Fiction |
| Audience: | Children (8–12) |
| Language: | English |
Summary
Summary
Silver Honor Winner of the 2014 Parents' Choice Award for Historical Fiction
Editorial Reviews
Editorial Reviews
“Astri is like a girl out of a
fairy tale, and the native folktales that Preus weaves through the narrative
serve as guides, lessons, and inspiration for her.” —Publishers Weekly (starred review)
“Like dun silk shot thought
with gold, Preus interweaves the mesmerizing tale of Astri’s treacherous and
harrowing mid-nineteenth-century emigration to America with bewitching tales of
magic. A fascinating author’s note only adds to the wonder.” —Booklist (starred review)
“At its most basic, this is a tale
about a girl escaping a poverty-stricken life in mid-nineteenth century Norway.
But from the beginning, the mystical and wondrous elements of Norwegian
folktales are woven into the narrative, lending a timeless quality to a story
inspired by the author’s family history. The harsh realities of that time
period, from rickets to tetanus, take on a strange, magical, and often
terrifying aspect, as seen through Astri’s naive eyes…The decisions Astri makes
to survive come to haunt her, and with her regret comes a new maturity, strength,
and an ability to face her future in America. Enthralling and unflinching, this
historical tale resonates with mythical undertones that will linger with
readers after the final page is turned.” —School Library Journal (starred review)
“Norwegian history, fiction,
and folklore intertwine seamlessly in this lively, fantastical adventure and
moving coming-of-age story.” —Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
“Several Norwegian folktales
are seamlessly integrated into the fast-paced, lyrically narrated story, which
features a protagonist as stalwart and fearless as any fairy-tale hero.” —Horn Book (starred review)
“It’s Astri’s voice, however,
that is most appealing: her direct, no-nonsense narration has a sharp bite, yet
it also reveals the vulnerable young girl who’s willing to continue to fight
but is nonetheless exhausted by the weight of her struggle. The chapters have
an episodic structure that makes this an ideal choice for read-aloud or
storytelling adaptations, while the mix of folklore, fact, and fantasy will
please fans of Edith Patou’s East." —Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
“Narrator Jessica Almasy provides a
haunting delivery of a story that weaves historical fiction, Scandinavian fairy
tales, and a coming-of-age theme. Thirteen-year-old Astri’s life has taken a
bad turn: After her father goes to America and her mother dies, her aunt sells
her to a cruel, hunchbacked goatherd for two gold coins and a goat’s haunch.
Almasy voices the dark undertones of the story. She doesn’t hold back in showing
Astri’s complicated character—an unsettling mix of kindness, conniving, and
ruthlessness born from the need to survive.” —AudioFile
Author
Author Bio: Margi Preus
Margi Preus is a children’s book author and playwright. Her first novel for young people, Heart of a Samurai, was named a 2011 Newbery Honor Book, an ALSC Notable Book, and a recipient of the Asian Pacific American Award for Children’s Literature, among other honors. Her picture books include Celebritrees; Historic and Famous Trees of the World, winner of the 2013 Flicker Tale Award.
Details
Details
| Available Formats : | CD, Library CD |
| Category: | Fiction |
| Runtime: | 4.55 |
| Audience: | Children (8–12) |
| Language: | English |
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