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Cover of Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making

Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making

Catherynne M. Valente (2011)

SubgenreMiddle Grade Fantasy
Age groupMiddle Grade 8-12
Content ratingPG
Pages171 (Quick Read (<250))
Setting
CSM age10
Goodreads3.00/5 (2)

Content levels

ViolenceMild
Sexual contentNone
LanguageNone

Trigger warnings

AbandonmentWar

Hero archetypes

Mysterious Hero

Protagonist archetypes

Coming-of-Age ProtagonistQuest

Synopsis

"One of the most extraordinary works of fantasy, for adults or children, published so far this century."―Time magazine, on the Fairyland series Twelve-year-old September lives in Omaha, and used to have an ordinary life, until her father went to war and her mother went to work. One day, September is met at her kitchen window by a Green Wind (taking the form of a gentleman in a green jacket), who invites her on an adventure, implying that her help is needed in Fairyland. The new Marquess is unpredictable and fickle, and also not much older than September. Only September can retrieve a talisman the Marquess wants from the enchanted woods, and if she doesn't . . . then the Marquess will make life impossible for the inhabitants of Fairyland. September is already making new friends, including a book-loving Wyvern and a mysterious boy named Saturday. With exquisite illustrations by acclaimed artist Ana Juan, Fairyland lives up to the sensation it created when author Catherynne M. Valente first posted it online. For readers of all ages who love the charm of Alice in Wonderland and the soul of The Golden Compass, here is a reading experience unto itself: unforgettable, and so very beautiful. The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making is a Publishers Weekly Best Children's Fiction title for 2011.

Is Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making appropriate for my child?

Suitable for most readers 10 and up.

A whimsical middle-grade fantasy about a 12-year-old girl transported to a magical realm. Contains mild peril and references to parental absence due to war, but focuses on wonder, friendship, and self-discovery.

What to know going in

This book has mild violence, no sexual content, and clean language. Content notes include abandonment and war.

Who'll love this

Readers who love imaginative worlds and quirky characters will be enchanted by September's magical adventure through Fairyland.

Tags

Whimsical FantasyPortal FantasyLiterary Fantasy