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Thornhill
Thornhill
Reviewed by: Kristin Taylor - Biddeford High School, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District
Review Date: March 6, 2018
Review
This is the author's debut illustrated novel about Ella Clarke who is intrigued by a tragedy that had befallen the now closed Thornhill Institute, a former girls orphanage. Flashback 35 years to the white pages of Mary's diary, an orphaned girl that creates puppets to be her friends then to the black and white artwork depicting Ella's story in between. A beautiful and spooky diary type novel that is well developed not only with the characters, but the plot as well. There is a subtle theme within the story of the importance of child advocacy.
Illustrations are done in black and white with important details of Ella's life that correlate with the diary portion of Mary. Great book to have on the shelves for reluctant readers that like a good ghost story. Recommended for grades 5 and up.
Overall Book Score: excellent
About the Book
Author:
Smy, Pam
Illustrator: Smy, Pam
Illustration Quality: excellent
Publisher: Roaring Brook Press
Book Type: picture book fiction
Genre: mystery,horror
Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12
Binding Type: trade edition
Binding Quality: excellent
ISBN: 9781626726543
Price: 19.99