Reading Metrics
Description
In 1536 England, sixteen-year-old Dell flees her brutal father and a life lived in a cave, taking only a hand-made puppet as she sets out for London. In the bustling city she uncovers hidden truths about her mother's death while becoming caught up in the king's clash with the Catholic Church. As Dell confronts danger, secrets, and the religious upheaval of the era, she must choose where her loyalties truly lie.
Quick Summary
If you or your kid loves stories about kids being brave and figuring things out on their own, this one's for you. Rachel's life in the Yukon gets turned upside down when her dad, who's been struggling with depression, vanishes, and she ends up on a solo hiking adventure through some pretty intense mountain passes with just her dog for company. What makes this book really special is how Rachel rewrites fairy tales as she goes like Little Red Riding Hood and Hansel and Gretel turning them into stories that mirror what's actually happening to her, which gives the whole thing a dreamy, imaginative layer that elevates it above a typical adventure tale. It's got that quiet, thoughtful vibe (think Sharon Creech's Walk Two Moons) but with enough tension and mystery to keep you turning pages. Middle graders who enjoy a mix of nature, emotional depth, and a little bit of magic will probably connect with this one the most. The book deals with heavy stuff like depression and family struggle in a way that feels honest without being scary, though younger readers on the edge of the MG+ range might find some moments a bit intense. It's the kind of book that sticks with you a quick read at under 40,000 words, but one that kids tend to think about long after they finish.