Splendors and Glooms by Laura Amy Schlitz is one of the 2013 Newbery Honor Books. I would call this a "dark" book, best for sixth grade readers. Two very poor, orphaned children named Lizzie Rose and Parsefall are taken in and taught how to work puppets by a man named Grisini. They go to the home of a rich girl named Clara Wintermute to perform a puppet show for her birthday party. Shortly after the party, Clara is missing. Although Grisini's apartment is searched, there is no sign of Clara. Parsefall and Lizzie Rose become involved in the search for Clara and make a surprising discovery on her whereabouts. Can they save her before it's too late? I love books about magic and evil witches. This book is a page turner and definitely deserves it's place as one of the year's best books.
Reviewed by Mrs. Castro
