Once in a Blue Moon
I used to think that you only met surprising people in grand theaters, comic book stores, and cathedrals, but now I know that you could meet the most different of all on top of an...
Issue: <span>July/August 2013</span>
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I used to think that you only met surprising people in grand theaters, comic book stores, and cathedrals, but now I know that you could meet the most different of all on top of an ordinary rock. August was drawing to a close, and the blue moon was due to appear.
A curiously-shaped case, elongated ebony
Buckles, that when opened reveal gleaming gold
Nestled in velvet, radiant brass glints in twists and turns
Narrow pipes widen to a vast bell
Pieced together with knobs and screws
What will this clanky contraption do?
The blue car rolled down the dusty road, coming to an abrupt stop in an empty lot. I jumped out and twirled around to face the camp. The sweet smell of pine trees circled around my head and I inhaled. The head counselor came out to meet me and showed me to my bunk.
Castle of Shadows, by Ellen Renner; Houghton
Mifflin Books for Children: New York, 2012;
$15.99
Charlie is the princess of Quale. Yes, she lives in a castle, with gardens and servants that cook and clean. But ever since her mother disappeared five years ago, Charlie has been all alone. Her father the king has gone mad and Charlie is surrounded by people who don’t care about her.