MAGIC OR MADNESS

When Reason’s mother goes insane, mathematically gifted Reason is taken in by her wicked grandmother, who believes herself to be a witch and eats babies in pursuit of her imaginary magic. Until now, Reason’s spent her entire life in the Australian bush hiding from her grandmother. Though the old madwoman doesn’t actually seem all that bad, Reason still plans to run away. Her escape comes suddenly, though, when she opens a door and finds herself in a strange city where cold white stuff is falling from the sky. It seems magic is real, because Reason has been mystically transported to New York. A new friend with her own dangerous secrets rescues her from the cold. How will Reason protect herself from all the magicians who want to take advantage of her? A compelling mystery, despite the somewhat inaccurate culture shock theme that runs throughout (Americans who don’t understand the word “mum” and think pineapple on pizza is crazily foreign). A cleverly creepy fantasy with likable, complex characters and a sinister conclusion. (Fantasy. 11-15)