(3) 4-6 Illustrated by E. K. Belsher. This fantasy follows eleven-year-old Anne Applebaum as she discovers that her favorite book is actually real. Anne’s mother introduced her to the book and to the idea that Anne was supposed to have a twin; but now her mother has died, and Anne is left alone with her withdrawn father. In her grief, Anne leaves home and encounters magical creatures that guide her to the mythical land of Bei Ilai and to her twin brother, Rainer. After battles with witches, monsters, and prophetesses, the twins defeat the evil witch and make their family whole again. The story mentions Anne’s Jewish identity frequently and generously borrows imagery from Jewish folklore (as well as from traditional tales). The mashup of inspirations and styles, and the story’s complicated organization are occasionally confusing. Final black-and-white illustrations unseen.

Reviewer: Miriam Steinberg-Egeth