The Door by the Staircase

Author: Marsh, Katherine

Number Of Pages: 288

Details:

Twelve-year-old Mary Hayes can't stand her orphanage for another night. But when an attempted escape through the stove pipe doesn't go quite as well as she'd hoped, Mary fears she'll be stuck in the Buffalo Asylum for Young Ladies forever. The very next day, a mysterious woman named Madame Z appears at the orphanage requesting to adopt Mary, and the matron's all too happy to get the girl off her hands. Soon, Mary is fed a hearty meal, dressed in a clean, new nightgown and shown to a soft bed with blankets piled high. She can hardly believe she isn't dreaming! But when Mary begins to explore the strange nearby town with the help of her new friend, Jacob, she learns a terrifying secret about Madame Z's true identity. If Mary's not careful, her new home might just turn into a nightmare. Award-winning author Katherine Marsh draws from Russian fairytales in this darkly funny middle-grade fantasy novel. From School Library Journal Gr 4–6—When readers meet orphan Mary Hayes, she's clawing her way up a chimney to escape from the Buffalo Asylum for Young Ladies. Miraculously, she succeeds—but only until a freak whirlwind causes the cruel headmistress to spot her out a window. After she's brought back in and confined to a closet, Mary fears that she's doomed—that is, until a mysterious woman named Madame Z appears the next morning, wanting to adopt an orphan. Mary eagerly volunteers, and without much thought, Madame Z agrees. Mary's new home is called Iris, a town with a sideshow flair. She soon meets a magician's son named Jacob, a fast friend and ally. Before long, Mary realizes that amid all of the town's razzle-dazzle, there's also real magic. She's astounded to learn that Madame Z is a witch, complete with a talking cat. But Mary senses that something is off, and, indeed, the groundskeeper reveals that Madame Z is actually Baba Yaga—a powerful witch who eats children. Her fierce sense of self-preservation still intact, Mary immediately starts plotting her escape with Jacob. But as the adventure unfolds, it becomes clear that Baba Yaga may not be the enemy after all. Marsh has crafted a sparkling tale full of adventure, magic, and folklore. It's a delightful mash-up of stories and traditions; imagine Little Orphan Annie crossed with Russian folklore, plunked down in the spiritualist community of Lily Dale, NY, with a dash of Hayao Miyazaki's Spirited Away on top. VERDICT Perhaps not a story for reluctant or struggling readers—it's relatively demanding in terms of length and vocabulary—but for those willing to tackle a rich and layered text, there's much here to enjoy.—Amy Holland, Irondequoit Public Library, NY

Reviews:

PRAISE FOR THE NIGHT TOURIST Winner of the Edgar Award for Best Juvenile Mystery, 2008 Publishers Weekly Flying Start, 2007 PRAISE FOR THE NIGHT TOURIST

"A compelling story...Teenagers knowledgeable about mythology will especially enjoy this intricate read."-- Kirkus Reviews PRAISE FOR THE NIGHT TOURIST *

"This intelligent and self-assured debut will compel readers from its outset, and leave them satisfied as it explores universal themes of love, loss, and closure."-- Publishers Weekly, starred review PRAISE FOR JEPP, WHO DEFIED THE STARS

"Narrating a young adult novel from a dwarf's perspective is nothing short of inspired. Marsh transcends genre to create an engaging narrative complex enough to keep not-so-young adults turning its pages."-- The New York Times Book Review PRAISE FOR JEPP, WHO DEFIED THE STARS

"Rich, absorbing storytelling-a terrific read in every way."-- Nancy Werlin, National Book Award Finalist and author of Impossible PRAISE FOR JEPP, WHO DEFIED THE STARS *

"This shining gem is a must-have."-- School Library Journal, starred review

About the Author:

Katherine Marsh is the Edgar Award ?winning author of The Night Tourist, The Twilight Prisoner, and Jepp, Who Defied the Stars. She grew up in New York with her Russian grandmother who lovingly prepared m...

EAN: 9781423134992

Release Date: 05-01-2016

Languages: English

Item Note: Great shape- pages are unmarked and sharp.Has a remainder mark. Hardcover Used - Like New Ships fast! 2016

Item Condition: UsedLikeNew

Binding: Hardcover