I loved
this book. That’s the first thought I had when I read the last word. How
complete and satisfying.
First
of all, where have I been? This book was published in 2016. How could I have
missed it? Of course, we all have those giant TBR piles and that’s the only
explanation I can come up with. Well, and 2016 was a difficult year, so there
ya go.
There
are really great reviews printed in the first few pages of this book and I’d love
to post them all here since they did a great job. But, I will do it myself – sigh – and
hopefully encourage you to pick it up.
Here is
what the publisher says:
A long undisturbed bedroom. A startling
likeness. A mysterious friend.
When twelve-year-old Prince Lev Lvov goes to live with his aunt
at Falcon House, he takes his rightful place as heir to the Lvov family estate.
Prince Lev dreams of becoming a hero of Russia like his great ancestors. But
he'll discover that dark secrets haunt this house. Prince Lev is the only one
who can set them free―will he be the hero his family needs?
From Eugene Yelchin, the author and illustrator of Arcady's
Goal and the Newbery Award-winning Breaking Stalin's Nose,
comes The Haunting of Falcon House, an illustrated middle grade
story that'll both haunt readers and leave them knowing a little bit more about
Russian history.
This
title has Common Core connections.
This story
is engaging in every way – the setting, characters, action, plot. I was taken
on a ride of mystery, friendship, Russian history and the pain of facing the
truth. The illustrations are disturbing, adding to the creepiness and intrigue.
What I treasure
about this book is that it is different and unique, which isn’t always easy to
find. Everything Prince Lev felt and saw, I did too. It was like I was
transported right into Falcon House. Definitely worth the trip.
