A Tale Dark and Grimm: By Adam Gidwitz

Once upon a time, fairy tales were awesome.  If, by awesome, you mean gruesome, and full of murder and mayhem.  Dear Hansel and Gretel have a story that has been told over numerous generations.  But have you been told the ENTIRE story?? I think not.  Only this novel will give you all of the dreary details of poor Hansel getting turned in to a carnivorous beast, and sad, lonely Gretel losing her family and very nearly getting eaten (twice).   

This book is one I highly recommend, but I would like to warm you ahead of time!!  As grimm as the old fairy tales get (see what I did there?) this one is quite true to the originals.  Beware when picking up this book!  It is wonderfully written and puts an interesting twist on the old tales.  

"You see, to find the brightest wisdom one must pass through the darkest zones.  And thoough the darkest zones there can be no guide.

No guide, that is, but courage."

Really.

Grade Level:  4.6