Children's Literature – Jeanna Sciarrotta
When Serafina receives a letter from her great-aunt Sylanna, whom she has never met, she has no idea just how much her life is about to change. Sylanna writes about an inheritance that she wants to leave Serafina that requires the girl to visit. Upon arrival at her great-aunt's cottage, however, mysterious things begin to happen: An ancient book with blank pages begins to write to her, skulls talk and move, and a cat seems to have answers to her questions. Slowly, Sarafina begins to realize that she has been summoned to take over the role of Baba Yaga, a mythical woman of fairy tales that many people have only half-believed in. Forced into this new role, Serafina has no way of getting in contact with her family or the boy she loves. In this enchanting retelling, E. D. Baker breathes new life into this traditional story. Young readers will delight in the bridge between the fairy tell elements, romance, and coming-of-age stories. This is a fast-paced and energetic tale that holds interest and has a neat and tidy satisfying conclusion. Reviewer: Jeanna Sciarrotta