Karen Cushman's book 'Grayling's Song' is a fantasy novel for middle schoolers. "Feeble Wits" as her mother calls her, Grayling lacks self-confidence and self-worth. Evil forces turn her mother into a tree. Among the characters Grayling encounters on her journey to free her mother from the curse are a weather witch, an aromatic enchantress, a cheese soothsayer, a slyly foolish apprentice, and a shape-shifting mouse called Pook! The thought of not being able to save her mother makes her worried. Through facing her fears, she grows in confidence and realizes how strong, resourceful, and intelligent she truly is. Throughout the novel, the author does an excellent job of developing her characters. This story had a wonderful message and I thought it was well written. Definitely worth a read.

Thank you for the opportunity to read this book. Unfortunately, I was unable to get into it. Since I didn't finish it, I won't post a review on Goodreads. Thanks again!

In this book, Cushman creates a lovely, magical story of resiliency, and growing up.

This one has an almost old fashioned feel. Relatively gentle reading. That's the real positive here.
It did feel rather distant. We don't really connect with the characters or the plot in any significant way. In spite of the fact that her mother is turning into a tree we don't get any desperation or urgency from Grayling.

Fun adventure for the beginning fantasy reader. Grayling, the daughter of a wise woman, has never paid much attention to her mothers healing spells. However when she finds her house burnt to the ground and her mother turned into a tree, she must strike out on her own to find her mothers grimmorie to save her mother. Along with a shape shifting mouse and a hodgepodge group of cunning folk, Grayling sets out on an adventure of a life time. Recommended for 3rd-5th grade.

Stilted writing, boring story, too much complaining. Just ugh all around.