The Wonderling

In this extraordinary debut novel with its deft nod to Dickensian heroes and rogues, Mira Bart k tells the story of Arthur, a shy, fox-like foundling with only one ear and a desperate desire to belong, as he seeks his destiny.

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Welcome to the Home for Wayward and Misbegotten Creatures, an institution run by evil Miss Carbunkle, a cunning villainess who believes her terrified young charges exist only to serve and suffer. Part animal and part human, the groundlings toil in classroom and factory, forbidden to enjoy anything regular children have, most particularly singing and music. For the Wonderling, an innocent-hearted, one-eared, fox-like eleven-year-old with only a number rather than a proper name -- a 13 etched on a medallion around his neck -- it is the only home he has ever known. But unexpected courage leads him to acquire the loyalty of a young bird groundling named Trinket, who gives the Home's loneliest inhabitant two incredible gifts: a real name -- Arthur, like the good king in the old stories -- and a best friend. Using Trinket's ingenious invention, the pair escape over the wall and embark on an adventure that will take them out into the wider world and ultimately down the path of sweet Arthur's true destiny. Richly imagined, with shimmering language, steampunk motifs, and gripping, magical plot twists, this high adventure fantasy is the debut novel of award-winning memoirist Mira Bart k and has already been put into development for a major motion picture.

Binding Type: Hardcover
Publisher: Candlewick Press (MA)
Published: 09/26/2017
ISBN: 9780763691219
Pages: 464
Weight: 1.45lbs
Size: 7.70h x 6.20w x 1.50d

Review Citations: Kirkus Reviews 07/01/2017 pg. 88
Publishers Weekly 07/17/2017
Kirkus Reviews Fall Preview 08/15/2017 pg. 48
School Library Journal 09/01/2017 pg. 120
Bulletin of Ctr for Child Bks 10/01/2017 - Book Of Special Distinction
Shelf Awareness 10/17/2017
Horn Book Magazine 11/01/2017 pg. 95
Hornbook Guide to Children 01/01/2018 - Superior,Well Above Average

Accelerated Reader Quiz #/Name: 191169 / Wonderling
Reading Level: 5.6 / Interest Level: Middle Grade / Point Value: 14