cover image Corazn de Piedra

Corazn de Piedra

Charlie Fletcher. Ediciones B, $18.95 (336pp) ISBN 978-84-666-3618-6

Grade 5-9-When 12-year-old George breaks a carved dragon's head at the Natural History Museum, he enters a dangerous parallel world where statues come alive. He soon discovers that gargoyles and other malicious ""taints"" are pursuing him in revenge. Fortunately, the boy also meets human statues, or ""spits,"" who help him search for the mysterious stoneheart that can free him from the wrath of the taints. The result is an action-packed fantasy filled with battles, chases, and an intriguing variety of characters. The steadfast Gunner becomes George's friend, but other spits are less trustworthy, making his search for the elusive stoneheart trickier. The boy reluctantly joins forces with Edie, a feisty girl with hidden powers of her own. The villains are particularly compelling, from the bizarre Grid Man to a fierce and powerful Minotaur. Then there's the ominous Walker, whose destiny is tied up with those of both George and Edie. As the action proceeds, readers learn more about the two heroes. George evolves from a frightened whiner into a capable and eventually heroic figure, while Edie's mysterious past is revealed in bits and pieces. Characterizations often take a backseat to the many clashes and narrow escapes, but the humans' relationships become more interesting as events proceed. The buildings and statues of London are depicted vividly enough to engage readers unfamiliar with the city. A satisfying conclusion resolves some plot threads and leaves others to be explored in the next stage of the trilogy. [A neutral and accessible Spanish translation round off this welcomed Spanish edition of a popular title.-Ed.] Reviewed by School Library Journal Cr\xEDticas, 10/15/08