I read this book in one sitting, attesting to both its addictive nature and the ease of reading. (Of course, I'm an English teacher and this book was written for upper elementary or middle school students.)
Gidwitz is an elementary school teacher who has taken some of those Grimm stories that we have deemed "too scary for children" in modern times, and twists them together into a series of related stories all featuring Hansel and Gretel.
Hansel and Gretel become real characters, starting out as the victims, but becoming heroes by the end of the book, saving not just themselves but their entire kingdom. The gore factor isn't too bad, although pretty disturbing in places. Adults fare pretty poorly, but that tends to be standard in a lot of children's fiction.
The continuing adventures of Hansel and Gretel are interspersed with smart, witty commentaries from the author. He gives enough foreshadowing to build interest, helps young readers connect the stories to their own lives, and gives the book a more modern feel.
Gidwitz is an elementary school teacher who has taken some of those Grimm stories that we have deemed "too scary for children" in modern times, and twists them together into a series of related stories all featuring Hansel and Gretel.
Hansel and Gretel become real characters, starting out as the victims, but becoming heroes by the end of the book, saving not just themselves but their entire kingdom. The gore factor isn't too bad, although pretty disturbing in places. Adults fare pretty poorly, but that tends to be standard in a lot of children's fiction.
The continuing adventures of Hansel and Gretel are interspersed with smart, witty commentaries from the author. He gives enough foreshadowing to build interest, helps young readers connect the stories to their own lives, and gives the book a more modern feel.
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