The Girl in the Tower

Ten-year-old Violet has been holed up in a dark tower with her mother since infancy, but her courage and hope light up the pages of this sweetly quaint fairy tale from Schroeder (My Secret Guide to Paris). The trouble began when a witch, Bogdana, cast a spell crowning herself queen. She longed for beauty, and only a hummingbird feather and a strand of dark hair from an 11-year-old girl with lavender eyes will activate the necessary spell. When Bogdana discovered a baby that met these requirements—who would grow up to be Violet—she hid her in the tower and had hummingbirds imported into the realm. Violet and her mother imagine beautiful places and create fantastic stories to keep them company in the tower, but everything changes when Bogdana decides to make Violet a princess. Bogdana’s nefariousness contrasts nicely with the kind, brave friends and devoted birds who help Violet. Kids will find it easy to root for determined Violet as she sets out to secure her family’s freedom. Ages 8–12. Author’s agent: Sara Crowe, Harvey Klinger. (Mar.)