Books in Brief: In a Glass Grimmly

In A Glass Grimmly by Adam Gidwitz
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Adam Gidwitz has done it again! As with his debut novel A Tale Dark and Grimm , the author stitches together classic folk and fairy tales into a journey of self-discovery for two very brave children.

(And when I say fairy tales, I'm not talking about magic wands and fluffy ballgowns. I'm talking about old-school, blood-and-guts, rolling people down hills in nail-spiked barrels. Just so we're clear.)

Though published after A Tale Dark and Grimm and told in a similar style, In a Glass Grimmly is not meant to be a sequel. We follow two entirely different characters - cousins Jack and Jill - on an entirely different set of adventures. (And yes, there is a hill and a head injury.) However, fans of the first novel will find a few threads to connect the two. The ravens are back, as is the narrator, who tries to warn us of the particularly scary bits before they happen. (And apologizing when he forgets.)

Suspenseful, dark, peppered with humor, and ultimately wise, this is a great choice for middle school students who don't mind a little gore in their happily ever after.

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