The Girl in the Tower - Hardcover

Schroeder, Lisa

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0805095136 ISBN 13: 9780805095135

Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. (BYR), 2016

Synopsis

Ever since she could remember, Violet and her mother have been locked away in a tower by the evil Queen Bogdana, who has the kingdom under her spell. The queen has all she wants except one thing-beauty. Violet possesses this beauty. She also has a secret: though she is very small, both her spirit and her heart are mighty.
When Violet is summoned by Bogdana to start training to become a real princess, it seems like her life might be taking a turn for the better. But hope quickly fades when Violet's mother is expelled from the castle and they're forbidden to see each other ever again. With everyone's lives in the balance, it's up to Violet to break the spell and reunite her family.

About this title

About the Author

Lisa Schroeder is the author of over a dozen books for kids and teens, including the YA novels I Heart You, You Haunt Me, and The Bridge from Me to You and the middle grade novels It's Raining Cupcakes and My Secret Guide to Paris. She loves tea and cookies, flowers, family hikes, books and movies that make her laugh and cry, and sunshine. Living in Oregon, she doesn't get nearly enough sunshine, but the hikes are amazing.

Nicoletta Ceccoli is the award-winning illustrator of many children's books, including The Boo! Book by Nathaniel Lachenmeyer, Little Red Riding Hood by Josephine Evetts-Secker, and Cinderella by Sarah Thompson. She studied animation at the Institute of Art in Urbino and currently resides in her native Republic of San Marino, Italy.

From School Library Journal

Gr 3–5—Ten-year-old Violet is locked away in a castle tower with her mother, where she's been held since birth. She keeps sane by enjoying a vivid imaginary life, where she pretends to be a pirate and an artist. She is heartily encouraged by her mother to always remain positive. When one day the castle's wicked queen takes an unusual interest in Violet, she is unknowingly thrust into an evil plot. Forced to decide between her true destiny and the luxurious life of a princess, Violet makes tough decisions based on character and courage rather than fantasy and greed. Lines like "If I can survive all these years in this tower, I believe I can do anything!" make Violet appealing as a fairy tale heroine. The setting, though nonspecific, is typical of traditional fairy tales in period and design. The writing style and vocabulary are accessible and the story is well paced. It could also serve as a nice read-aloud for younger listeners not quite ready for the fractured fairy tale retellings of Gail Carson Levine or Shannon Hale. VERDICT Recommended for fans of fairy tales and modern Disney princesses.—Pilar Okeson, Washington D.C. Public Library

About this edition

• Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. (BYR)
• Publication date: 2016
• ISBN 10: 0805095136
• ISBN 13: 9780805095135
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 256
• Illustrator: Ceccoli Nicoletta