Bones of Faerie, by Janni Lee Simner

Bibliographic Information:
Simner, J. L. (2009). Bones of Faerie. Random House Books for Young Readers. ISBN-10: 0375845631

Book Awards:
2009 - Kid's Indie Next List "Inspired Recommendations for Kids from Indie Booksellers".

Plot Summary:
When it actually happened, World War III wasn't quite as everyone imagined it would be. It was not a war between rival nations, but rival species: humans and the Faerie. The results were devastating to both worlds, and almost wiped out both populations. The dangerous remnants of dark magic have left 15 year old Liza's village suspicious of all things magic-- any child or adult who shows signs of magic is killed, including her infant sister, and possibly her mother (who disappeared). When Liza herself begins to have visions, she must flee into the dangerous wilds to escape her father.

Critical Evaluation:
This is neither a typical fairy tale, nor a typical post-apocalypse story, but rather a unique and riveting blend of both. There is really nothing negative to say about Simner's writing, except that I could have happily read a couple of hundred more pages of this story. There is an exciting air of mystery appropriate to the magical underpinnings of this adventure story. The world that the Faerie war left behind is fascinating to read about; all the vegetation has become hostile! Liza's character development and personal growth provide a solid base for the rest of the story.

Reader's Annotation:
When trees will happily eat you, it's hard to get through the forest! But Liza must brave more than just the trees to find her mother and escape her father.

About the Author:
Janni Lee Simner was born in New York, and credits the Girl Scouts for beginning her adventures. She began by writing short stories, and has written 3 books for kids. Bones of Faerie is her first young adult novel. She lives in Tucson, Arizona with her husband Larry, and she notes that the plants there really do bite.

Genre:
Fantasy

Curriculum Ties:
None

Booktalking Ideas:
Carnivorous plants
If magic was deadly and uncontrollable, is it wrong to kill people with it?

Interest Age:
10+

Challenge Issues:
None
However, if a challenge should occur,
Read the book! Urge parent to do the same. Cite awards and reviews. Refer to collection development policy. If dispute continues, parents' wishes regarding their own children will be respected.

Reason Included:
It was on the new book shelf, and the premise seemed interesting. I was well rewarded!