Seeing Redd

Starred review from October 8, 2007
Marsh, a New Republic
editor making her children's book debut, reworks the Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice in a supernatural tale about a 14-year-old boy's quest through an underworld in New York City, in search of his late mother's spirit. After introverted ninth-grade prodigy Jack Perdu is involved in a near-fatal accident, he is sent to see a specialist in Manhattan. There he meets Euri, a self-proclaimed “urban explorer” who reveals herself to be a ghost—part of a vast and complex community of people who have died in NYC. (Euri tells Jack that he might be able to find his mother if she has not completed her unfinished business in the world and “moved on” to Elysium, which is “somewhere in the Hamptons,” by her best guess.) Euri becomes his personal tour guide as they explore the city by night, when ghosts can leave the underworld to roam unseen. The pair tries to avoid capture by underworld authorities as they seek Jack's mother, in the process unraveling mysteries surrounding his parents' relationship and Jack's ability to infiltrate the spirit world. Mixing numerous references to mythology and classical literature with deft touches of humor and extensive historical details (former mayor Fiorello LaGuardia, Dylan Thomas and corrupt police captain “Clubber” Williams, among others, make cameo appearances), 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. Ages 10-up.

Frank Beddor took a classic story and turned it into a powerful, magical adventure with THE LOOKING GLASS WARS. With Part Two, SEEING REDD, Gerard Doyle once again shows what can be done with just a voice and talent. His cadence, his raw emotion, and his skill bring to life the story of Queen Alyss, who is battling the evil Aunt Redd to keep Wonderland out of her grasp. Doyle's enthusiastic performance is reminiscent of Jim Dale's work on the Harry Potter series. Clearly, Doyle has made this series his own. Beddor's world is one in which "the power of imagination" is a literal thing. He has plausible explanations for even the most outrageous claims made in Lewis Carroll's book. And you'll believe every word. M.S. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award (c) AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine

February 1, 2008
Gr 7 Up-Jack Perdue, a prodigy, lives with his father on the Yale campus where he buries himself in classical literature. When an accident leaves Jack with a head injury, his father sends him to a very strange doctor in New York. Jack has not been to New York since his mother died and he and his dad moved to New Haven. In Grand Central Station, Jack takes a tour and meets a girl named Euri who suggests that he might want to see the underground stationplaces that the public never get to see. So begins the adventure into the underworld of ghosts as he searches for his mother and learns about her mysterious life and death. Adventure abounds as Jack and Euri visit with deceased authors and constantly avoid the ghost police with a three-headed dog looking for anyone who might be living. Along the way, Jack discovers some truths about Euri, himself, and his father. Actor Andrew Rannels narrates and provides a realistic voice for each character. Harry Potter fans will enjoy this fantasy (Hyperion, 2007) by Katherine Marsh."Jeana Actkinson, Bridgeport High School, TX"

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