Gr 5-7 Since the death of her parents, a copper keepsake box in the roots of an old apple tree annually delivers a sometimes odd but always fitting response to Lottie Fiske's written requests. This year, however, Lottie wants something more than hair bows; she wants a cure for her best friend Eliot Walsch's terminal illness. The unexpected response is a formidable girl named Adelaide who takes Lottie "root shooting" through the apple tree to Iris Gate, the family home in a hidden world of sprites, wisps, danger, and magic. Adelaide's father, Moritasgus Wilfer, a healer and a friend of Lottie's parents, has been watching over her. He is arrested and imprisoned by the Southerly Guard who, at the behest of Starkling, King of the Southerly Court, demands that the healer turn over the medicine for the "otherwise incurable" that Lottie hopes will save Eliot. Lottie, Adelaide, her brother Oliver, and his friend Fife set out to rescue Moritasgus, and along the perilous way Lottie discovers her destiny. An eventful quest through a well-built fantasy world is a strong crowd-pleaser here offered with flavorful prose reminiscent of early Susan Cooper. Fantastical occurrences emerge organically from a well-imagined terrain peopled with inhabitants whose actionssaving a father, a friend, even an entire worldhave potentially lethal consequences. Characters are effectively evoked ("Lottie Fiske, like most sharp and odd persons in this world, was having a miserable school experience. She had the audacity to not be very pretty or rich or even stupid, and at least one of these qualities was essential for a girl in a place like Kemble School.") and distinctly etched, as are the magical elements of New Albion. VERDICT Given the arcadian pace of the journey overall, the lightning-fast conclusion is somewhat anticlimactic, but readers who have engaged with this congenial world may just turn to the first page and begin again.— Janice M. Del Negro, GSLIS Dominican University, River Forest, IL

Lemony-haired Lottie Fiske has never had much in the way of family. Orphaned as a baby and raised by a stern boardinghouse mistress, her only real companionship comes from her sickly best friend, Eliot, and a mysterious someone whose letters and gifts appear in the apple tree outside Lottie's home. But when Eliot's sickness grows worse e doctors have given him mere weeks to live desperate Lottie discovers that the apple tree isn't just a tree but rather a portal to another world, one of fairies and magic, and it's the world Lottie's mother came from. As Lottie races through this strange land to find a cure for Eliot that doesn't exist in her regular reality, she learns about her history and her family, and at what cost such a cure may come. The ending arrives abruptly, and the narrative is a bit light on action, but the writing is lush, and the world building is well crafted. Ultimately, a beautifully told fairy tale for those not yet old enough for Holly Black's Tithe (2002).

This fast-paced, fantasy novel contains strong character development, wonderful mythological lore, and exciting fairy world building. Charlotte "Lottie" Fiske is raised by adoptive parents on New Kemble Island off the coast of Boston. Readers will instantly engage with protagonist Lottie because of her mysterious lineage and strange magical communication she receives every birthday via letters in a copper box at the base of an apple tree in her backyard. Her survival of bullies at school and her close relationship with her sick and dying best friend, Eliot Walsch, bring reality to an otherwise purely fantastical story. She wants nothing more than to cure Eliot. Lottie takes the apple tree roots elevator (down and up) that is the connection between two worlds. She finds herself taking a journey to Albion Isle where she meets her adventure partners, Oliver, Adelaide, and Fife, who are sprites and wisps. All sprites have gengas, little magical bird companions, and Lottie soon learns she has a genga that has been waiting for her. Lottie learns that many in the fairy realm also have keens, special abilities like super hearing or smell. Lottie's keen is most useful and part of her secret heritage.This story follows an exciting journey full of obstacles and fun action. The main characters are quite likeable and introductions for each are quick while moving the plot along. This excellent book is a must-have purchase for all libraries, especially where fantasy fiction is hot.Karen Sykeny.