The Spindlers by Lauren Oliver – ADVISABLE

Oliver, Lauren  The Spindlers 256 pgs. HarperCollins, 2012. $13.  

Content: Language: G (0 swears);  Mature Content: G ;  Violence: G.

Liza is a great big sister, she really loves spending time with her little brother Patrick. One day she notices that he isn't quite himself. Liza immediately suspects the evil Spindlers, a magical creature that steals souls, as she learned from her favorite babysitter. Luckily she thinks the entrance to their lands is in her basement, so she sets off to rescue him.

The plot sounds pretty goofy, but the author pulls it off. I felt like I was reading Alice in Wonderland with a touch of the movie The Labyrinth. I thought this was a fun read and it was entertaining. I think students will be intrigued by the cover, so this book will be read often. Perfect for 2-4 graders.

EL (K-3) – ADVISABLE Reviewer: Stephanie Elementary School Librarian & Author.