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RAGS & BONES

Name: RAGS & BONES
Author: Melissa Marr
ISBN: 978-0-316-21294-6

NEW TWISTS ON TIMELESS TALES

edited by Melissa Marr ; Tim Pratt ; illustrated by Charles Vess ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 22, 2013

A thoughtful selection of exquisite literary amuse-bouches; it will take a little work to connect teens with it, though.

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Twelve popular speculative fiction authors riff on classic literature, but for an ill-defined audience.

Inspired by sources as old as Edmund Spenser and as recent as William Seabrook, from authors entrenched in the literary canon and those considerably more obscure, this collection is an eclectic mix of sequels, retellings, homages, pastiches and even responses with only tenuous connections to the originals. While the tone varies from witty to poignant, from lush and sensual to dry and didactic, the stories share a darkly fantastic sensibility, often with a horrific undercurrent. Though told mostly from a male—and usually adult—perspective, they also exhibit a common concern with the limited choices available to women and minorities in patriarchal, Eurocentric cultures. Standouts include Neil Gaiman’s clever, biting crossover between “Sleeping Beauty” and “Snow White”; Holly Black’s reshaping of the lesbian subtext in Carmilla into the intense friendship of pre-adolescent girls; co-editor Marr’s savage and heart-rending updating of selkie legends; and Saladin Ahmed’s impassioned defense of the nameless Other so often caricatured as a fantasy villain. It seems likely that adults will be the most appreciative audience, as few teens will be familiar enough with the originals to catch the subtle resonances, and most of the themes and language are as mature as the characters.

A thoughtful selection of exquisite literary amuse-bouches; it will take a little work to connect teens with it, though. (finished illustrations not seen) (Fantasy/short stories. 14 & up)

Pub Date: Oct. 22, 2013

ISBN: 978-0-316-21294-6

Page Count: 368

Publisher: Little, Brown

Review Posted Online: Aug. 20, 2013

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 15, 2013

Categories:

CHILDREN'S SCIENCE FICTION & FANTASY

- BOOK REVIEW
FAMILY IS FAMILY
by Melissa Marr ; illustrated by Marcos Almada Rivero

- BOOK REVIEW
THE HIDDEN DRAGON
by Melissa Marr

- BOOK REVIEW
THE HIDDEN KNIFE
by Melissa Marr

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EARTHLINGS INSIDE AND OUT

by Valerie Wyatt ‧ RELEASE DATE: April 1, 1999

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Wyatt (The Science Book for Girls, 1997, etc.) adopts an alien’s-eye-view of earthlings, comparing the human body with that of a friendly lifeform from outer space. A cartoon anatomical outline charts the alien Danoid’s first encounter with Pete. Danoid labels hands as primary manipulatives, feet as planet connectors, and knees, multidirectional movement facilitators. Earthling skin, hair, brains, bones, muscles, and organs are measured by these compare-and-contrast standards, delivering information along the way. Sifting through a flurry of text, readers will stumble upon headings marked “Science Fair Ideas,” consisting of simple, at-home experiments such as tracking one’s pulse with a dab of modeling clay or smelling foods that have strong odors. While the concept is attention-getting, and often humorous, the actual information is often overwhelmed by distracting asides, experiments, and reports filed to Danoid’s commander; this compendium may be more worthwhile for browsers than researchers. (diagrams, index) (Nonfiction. 8-11)