I had mentioned that I would use this blog as a record about books that I've read. One of the questions I hear the most when I return to school is, "Well, Lisa, how many books did you read this summer?" Many times I forget. This is the latest book that I finished.
I really enjoy reading Maguire's work. When I learned that he had written another children's book I thought I would try it. Maguire has such a gift for language! He doesn't water that down either especially when writing for a younger audience. This was a lovely story within a story! Maguire wrote that he came up with the idea for this story after giving an assignment to middle-age students in a creative writing class. This is the story of an orphaned skibereen (a tooth fairy) named What-the-Dickens. He is befriended by another of his kind, Pepper, and she leads him to her colony. What-the-Dickens learns a great deal about his people and himself. This story of What-the-Dickens is told by a man named Gage Tavenner who met these fairies personally.
Maguire addresses themes of friendship, loneliness and belonging, and imagination.
I especially liked how the author addressed imagination. When I teach creative writing, some of the students view it as a chore and some truly enjoy the class. I hope I can foster a love of writing in them. After reading this book I'm inspired to start a new year of writing class! Thanks, Mr. Maguire!
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