Stolen »

The same day that the villagers of Thornstowe finally hunt down a witch with a reputation for stealing children, a 12-year-old appears in the woods with no memory of her past. Is there a connection between Isabelle, the girl who doesn t know who she is, and the girl the witch stole six years earlier? One of the few things Isabelle remembers is a chant that keeps running through her head:

Old as dirt,

dirty as dirt.

Ugly as sin,

mean as sin.

Don t let the old witch catch you!

Could Isabelle have been stolen by the old witch of the woods, or has she lost her memory as the result of an accident? And what about the baby the witch stole right before the villagers attacked? Did either the witch or the baby survive the fire the villagers set?

VOYA

A girl runs through the forest. As she runs, she realizes that she has no memories prior to running. She remembers running, although not why she is running or from whom or where she is trying to go. Nor does she know her name. Dogs begin chasing her and later she is found hiding in a tree. She is surrounded by dogs but is rescued by their owners who take her in and care for her bitten leg. From there, gossip travels until it reaches another couple who rejoice, believing that she is their daughter, Isabelle, who was kidnapped by a witch six years ago. They come and take her away to a new life filled with expectations and danger. Readers are left to fill in the blanks and figure out the clues to discover the girl's real identity. It is strange that the author starts referring to the character as Isabelle before the lost parents even enter the tale. The mystery of the kidnapped daughter fuels readers to discover the truth behind the family and the reasons for their odd behavior. The cover produces a spooky atmosphere that will make readers curious. Vande Velde creates a new twist on a fairy tale complete with evil sisters and filled with suspense, danger, and a longing for home. Reviewer: Jennifer Rummel