William Alexander writes unrealisms for readers of all ages. His work has won the National Book Award, the Eleanor Cameron Award, the Librarian Favorites Award, the Teacher Favorites Award, two CBC Best Children's Book of the Year Awards, and two Junior Library Guild Selections. As a small child he honestly thought that his Cuban American family came from the lost island of Atlantis.
* "Rownie's search for his brother turns into an unlikely heroic
quest. . . . Though highly textured, it's tightly woven and
reassuringly seamless. The result is wryly humorous and bearably
yet excitingly menacing: Even while much is left unexplained,
Rownie's triumph is both gripping and tantalizing."--Kirkus
Reviews, *STAR
"Alexander has an intriguing central theme, in which masks and
theater create actual magic . . . The result is a (sometimes
gruesome) fantasy stuffed with interesting ideas."--Publishers
Weekly
"The appeal here lies in Alexander's careful construction of a
distinctive world: touches of steampunk can be found in Graba's
geared-up legs and the Mayor's automaton guards while a more
ancient, primal magic seems to guide the goblins and their powerful
brand of storytelling. . . . The bittersweet ending remains true to
the story's overall dreamy, melancholic tone."--The Bulletin of the
Center for Children's Books
"The mythic resonance in Alexander's storytelling, coupled with his
smart, graceful writing, make this novel feel both pleasantly old
and thoroughly new." - Locus Magazine
"The story weaves a many-webbed tale, rich in imagination with a
fairy-tale feel."--School Library Journal
Young Rownie is on a quest to find his actor brother, who disappeared from the town of Zombay, a place where acting is outlawed. His search finds him joining a troupe of goblin actors who teach him things about the world he will need in his journey. As a narrator, William Alexander turns in a solid performance. He reading is well paced. He lends drama to his young adult novel and ably creates distinctive character voices. However, his narration doesn't always capture the tone of the book. His voice is soft and slightly nasal and he sometimes overpronounces words-and this will prevent some listeners from getting lost in the fantasy. Ages 8-12. A Margaret K. McElderry hardcover. (Jan.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
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