by Polly Shulman
Putnam Juvenile, $16.99, 327 pages
The New York Circulating Material Repository is no ordinary library. There are objects of every kind that people can borrow – Marie Antoinette’s actual wig, Lincoln’s hat, and other fascinating historical treasures. In Polly Shulman’s book The Grimm Legacy, newly hired Elizabeth discovers how awesome it is to work in such a magnificent place.
One day Elizabeth hears about a special group of objects – the Grimm Collection. The original Grimm brothers, creators of famous fairy tales, collected the items from their stories…Snow White’s Evil Stepmother’s talking mirror, Aladdin’s flying carpet, and much more. But there’s trouble at the Repository. Magical items have gone missing, another page like Elizabeth has vanished, and a large bird seems to be stalking people. Elizabeth, who is new to the area and having issues with a stepmother of her own, must rely on strangers to help her learn more about the mystery before the magic ends up in the wrong hands.
The story is a fast-paced adventure good for female and male young adult readers. There are plenty of laughs and the whole notion of being able to borrow magical items will delight any reader. Ms. Shulman, please write another Grimm Collection adventure soon!
Reviewed by Elizabeth Franklin