High Recommendation by Leighton: In a Glass Grimmly by Adam Gidwitz

Leighton received her stack of gift books from me during her visit last weekend. Her first pick to read? In a Glass Grimmly by Adam Gidwitz. Although it has been a year since we read A Tale Dark and Grimm together, she was eager to jump right into this one. Alas, we didn't get to read it together due to time constraints and quite simply her eagerness to read it right away and finish it in a matter of hours. Which resulted in her finishing another book or two, so I will report on those, too.

But the result? She loved it. Her favorite chapter, "The Wonderful Mother," referenced The Emperor's New Clothes, which we got to discuss briefly. Yes, her only memorable exposure to it previously was The Emperor's Cool Clothes by Lee Harper.

But beware that it is dark. There was no giggling girl in the backseat or in the bed or on the couch while she read this one. It didn't bother Leighton and most kids will adore it, but some parents and children will want to steer clear. But I doubt they read here since many of the original tales we discuss all the time at SurLaLune are dark, too, aren't they?

And the book appeared on many best lists for 2012--including Kirkus--so we can only hope there will be more from Gidwitz in the future!