"Liesl lives in a tiny attic bedroom, locked away by her cruel stepmother. Her only friends are the shadows and the mice,until one night a ghost appears from the darkness. It is Po, who comes from the Other Side. Both Liesl and Po are lonely, but together they are less alone.That same night, an alchemist's apprentice, Will, bungles an important delivery. He accidentally switches a box containing the most powerful magic in the world with one containing something decidedly less remarkable.Will's mistake has tremendous consequences for Liesl and Po, and it draws the three of them together on an extraordinary journey.From New York Times bestselling author Lauren Oliver comes a luminous and magnificent novel that glows with rare magic, ghostly wonders, and a true friendship that lights even the darkest of places."
Title: Liesl & Po
Author: Lauren Oliver
Release Date: October 4, 2011
Publisher: HarperCollins
Pages: 307, Hardcover
What an amazing
middle grade! I don't usually read middle grades, but since this one was from
Lauren Oliver, and I had heard so many wonderful things about it, I decided
that I had to pick it up. And I'm so glad that I did! There were so many
aspects that I loved about this story; the characters, the magical-ness, and
the story-blending. The story simply leaves the reader yearning and wanting
more.
The story starts off with many different
characters. Liesl, a little girl in the attic. Will, a little boy who is an
apprentice to the Alchemist. Po & Bundle, ghosts from the Otherside that
only Liesl can see. The Alchemist, known to make magic. A box of magic and a
box of ashes becomes an ongoing problematic chase. Each character's story
somehow blends together and their issues seem to mix and the outcome of it is a
very powerful and enchanting story.
The characters were so fabulous! Liesl, Will, Po,
and Bundle work so well together as a team. I loved how Will and Liesl met--two
orphans who crossed paths, in hiding. Of course, I loved the evil villains,
they were very evil indeed, just how I like them. And Mo! We can't forget about
him! Let's just say, even if he isn't the brightest, he has the biggest heart.
The plot was very well-paced. The introduction
to each character was great, their own stories so unique. And Lauren Oliver did
such an outstanding job of slowly intertwining their anecdotes together! I was
astounded and very content with the story-blending.
Lo and behold, the magical-ness! This story certainly brought me
back to the days of endless fairytales and magic. It was so wonderful to read a
light story for children again. This story left me a bit nostalgic.
Assuredly, LIESL & PO is a middle grade you
won't want to miss out on. It's adorable, with characters that will make you
want to join the adventure. It will surely leave readers wanting more MG from
Lauren Oliver!
Audiobook Performance: *applauds Jim Dale* Once
again, this narrator is just professional and keeps the listener engrossed in
the story with great narrating.
Grade: A
Source: Online
Library (Audiobook)
AWWW. You make this book sound so adorable! <3 I'm pretty sure I was just chatting with you a week or two ago about this book. :) And eeeep! I LOVE LOVE LOVE magical books and fairy tales and PURE WHIMSICAL GOODNESS. I seriously eat that stuff up! Plus, it's by Lauren Oliver?! I LOVED her other work, Before I Fall, so I'm sure I'll love her MG work as well. :) <3
ReplyDeleteThanks for the awesome review, Jen! :D
Okay, see I have heard so much about this book. I've read Delirium and it's sequel, but I get the feeling there is something really special about her Middle Grade books. I may have to check this one out at the library...
ReplyDeleteGianna-YEEEES it was very magical indeed. I think you'll enjoy this MG!
ReplyDeleteKat--You should check it out! I've heard there are great illustrations! :)
Thanks for stopping by, y'all. :)