Absolutely adorable, while also carrying elements of darkness and challenge. This is - as promised - a book for older children (as opposed to “young adults”), but I didn’t find it at all pandering or patronizing like so many books for this age range are. Martin’s background in poetry is on quiet display, creating analogies and pictures that dance through the mind. Verity is lovely and thoughtful, the other characters well-rounded and their motivations are deeply human. The only thing it was missing was a Dixie Chicks reference, and knowing Mr. Martin’s online persona, it amused me to imagine him wrestling with whether to sneak one in or not.