Lirael

Oh, my god, what a wonderfully magical and creepy library! I don't know how it was ever built and the treasures/dangers accrued (yes, I know it's fantasy, but still . . .) but the result is a total marvel.

I love how Lirael builds her skills to explore it and master magic after magic, even though the one kind of magic she most wants keeps staying out of reach. I love Dog and Dog's attitude!

Her practical observations and refusal to share anything about herself that she doesn't want. (I'm just as glad my own dogs aren't like that, though.)… show more.

My kid loves the book for the creepy vibe with a classic hero’s journey.

There’s necromancy, both good and bad, big scary monsters, magical bells, and a lonely girl who no one understands and who finds the strength within herself to be extraordinary.

There’s a lot of cheering when monsters are defeated, and my kiddo really connected with Lirael’s pet dog that she uses magic to bring to life to be her friend and confidant. From one lonely, different kid to another, Lirael really resonates.

I like the book because while Lirael is fairly autism coded, it deals with other… show more.