Quarter Finalist
Assessment:
Plot/Idea: Schur's fantasy is masterfully plotted, depicting the tale of 12-year-old Wynnfrith in the court of King Goodliwink. The setting is glittering with intrigue and mystique, and readers will be enthralled by Wynnfrith's transformation.
Prose: The prose shimmers, and Schur deftly fences with wordplay and imagery that perfectly match the story's tone.
Originality: The Word Dancer is lyrical and propulsive, brimming with amusing and innovative ideas.
Character/Execution: Though the characters somewhat adhere to archetypes, Wynnfrith glistens with relatable unrest and a deep desire to uncover her hidden strength. At times, her charisma is eclipsed by the Word Dancer—an enigmatic, fascinating character spinning across the pages.
Date Submitted: April 26, 2023
The main characters’ quest moves quickly on the page and will captivate young readers and ignite their sense of adventure. Schur creates whimsical characters such as maternal healer Mistress Plummety Peache, who quickly embraces Wynnfrith and Oliver, and Glutt the prison guard, a creature with “a misshapen head like a puzzle piece” that banters with Peache through fun alliterations (“Greasy Grubber,” Mistress Peache cried. “Grimy. Grinning. Grotesque. Grasper.” “Gross and greedy too” the creature howled…). The importance of language becomes paramount to Wynnfrith’s journey, as Schur crafts the story to emphasize the great influence that words can have on how we perceive and are perceived.
As the children face their trials, including moral lessons sprinkled throughout, Schur weaves into the plot strong themes of inner-strength and righteousness, universal ideals that play pivotal roles in Wynnfrith’s personal growth and offer encouragement to readers. Knowledge and respect for the written word also is presented as something of a power. A map of the Kingdom of Wisland is conveniently provided for young readers to help visualize the vast land. Middle-grade readers looking for a bit of whimsy and adventure will enjoy this fantasy that presents reading itself as as part of a hero’s growth.
Takeaway: This quick-paced fantasy centers on the power of words.
Comparable Titles: Chris Colfer, Jessica Day George Tuesdays at the Castle series.
Production grades
Cover: A
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A
Marketing copy: A