  | Full Text Reviews: Bulletin for the Center... - 01/01/2017 Eleven years ago, Elric gained a little sister, and due to Wynn’s developmental delays and unusual appearance Elric’s mother took the girl to live in the woods, knowing that the people of their village would think Wynn a changeling. When Elric’s mother dies, his father (who wanted to kill Wynn at birth) decides to sell Wynn to the lord of their fiefdom. Elric flees with Wynn, hoping the siblings will find respite somewhere, but they’re met with disdain, mockery, and hostility. Wynn’s not worried, though, as she’s convinced they’re going to discover the legendary Silver Gate, which will lead them to the safety of the Fairy Queen’s land. Bailey largely avoids the cliché of the preternaturally wise developmentally delayed child while still keeping magic in the story. Wynn’s no ethereal angel: she’s completely off key when she sings the Fairy Queen Song, she throws several tantrums, and her best intentions don’t always bring the siblings luck. Elric, too, is realistic as a brother who wants to protect his sister even he sometimes despairs at the task. The fantasy element is slight, though, coming only from the legend of the Fairy Queen and the kids’ inevitable meeting with her, and the events that have them racing from one bad situation to the next are too convenient. Still, a tale of kids on a magical quest is a perennial favorite, and this will likely find an audience. An author’s note at the beginning informs the reader that Wynn has Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome and explains the condition. KQG - Copyright 2017 The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois. Booklist - 12/01/2016 Elric’s younger sister, Wynn, is different from other people in his feudal village. She is a family secret, living out in the woods with his mother so people won’t call her “changeling” or harm her, while Elric stays with his father in town. When their mother dies and their father sells Wynn into the lowest rung of service in the castle, Elric knows he has to save her. But Wynn has talents of her own, and perhaps she and her idol, the Fairy Queen, will yet save Elric instead. Bailey has created a charming story of a child with Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome and a loving sibling who nevertheless takes a while to recognize his disabled sister’s abilities. Commingled with this is an at-times thrilling plotline about an arduous journey to find a new home, a quirky pet chicken, and how faith and hope can create miracles—in this case, a meeting with the mythical Fairy Queen. An author’s note speaks to Bailey’s genuine concerns about accurately characterizing someone with the condition. - Copyright 2016 Booklist. Loading...
 |