Storybound

February 27, 2012
Burt debuts with an appealing fantasy built on the book-visiting daydreams of diehard readers. The life of chronically overlooked fosterling Una Fairchild, age 12, changes when she discovers a book with her name on the cover and begins to read. She wakes up in the world of Story inside the book, where she meets Peter, a Hero-in-training at a school where everyone is learning to be characters in the timeless Tales. But all is not well in Story—the Muses who once wrote the Tales are defeated and dead, and the
tyrannical Talekeepers now control all books and information. Una and Peter’s determination to find out what’s in the hidden books lands them in the middle of a brewing revolution in which characters tired of rehashing the stereotypical Tales seek their Backstory and their freedom. Burt’s concept isn’t unique, but her strong writing and interesting characters make Una’s journey enjoyable. The fantasy elements and meta-references are engaging, and the overall result will have readers on the lookout for the planned
sequel. Ages 8–12. Agent: Laura Langlie, Laura Langlie Literary Agency.

August 1, 2012

Gr 5-7-Having grown up in foster homes and feeling as though she never quite belonged, Una Fairchild is not too distraught when she is transported to the land of Story (by a book, of course), a place populated by characters from fairy tales, folklore, and fiction. With the help of Peter, who is studying to be a Hero, and Sam, a talking cat, Una discovers that she has been "Written In." Until she figures out who wrote her in, and why, she is in danger-and so are all of the Tales of Story. With its unique twist (her roommate, for example, is a snooty Snow White), Una's adventures should charm those who enjoy fairy-tale reboots, and the cliff-hanger ending could ensure demand for a sequel.-Laurie Slagenwhite Walters, Peachtree Montessori International, Ann Arbor, MI

Copyright 2012 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.