50 pages 1 hour read

Breadcrumbs

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2011

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Book Brief

Anne Ursu

Breadcrumbs

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2011
Book Details
Pages

320

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Minnesota • Contemporary

Publication Year

2011

Publisher

Walden Pond Press

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

8-12 years

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Super Short Summary

In Breadcrumbs by Anne Ursu, a young person named Hazel embarks on a captivating adventure to rescue her best friend, who has disappeared into a magical, wintry forest influenced by fairytales. Along the way, Hazel confronts challenges that test the bonds of friendship and the importance of courage and imagination.

Fantastical

Mysterious

Melancholic

Emotional

Nostalgic

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Anne Ursu's Breadcrumbs is a modern fairy tale praised for its imaginative storytelling and rich, lyrical prose. The novel's deep emotional resonance and themes of friendship and self-discovery have been acclaimed, though some critics find its pacing slow at times. Overall, it is celebrated for its evocative narrative and heartwarming lessons.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Breadcrumbs?

Readers who love The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis or The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman will find delight in Anne Ursu's Breadcrumbs. Ideal for middle-grade audiences, this book captures the magic of friendship and adventure woven into a modern-day fairy tale. It's perfect for fans of fantastical and heartfelt narratives.

Character List

Hazel Anderson

An imaginative and isolated 11-year-old girl with straight black hair and odd big brown eyes, who struggles to fit in at school due to feeling different from her peers and is dealing with personal challenges such as her parents’ divorce.

Hazel’s best friend, a playful boy with brown hair and freckles, who shares a creative bond with Hazel and faces emotional difficulties stemming from his mother's mental illness.

The novel's antagonist, depicted as a tall figure with spun crystal hair and cream-colored skin, who represents desensitization and offers children an escape that lacks warmth and emotion.

Hazel’s pragmatic mother, characterized by her blue eyes and light brown hair, who navigates financial and personal challenges while raising Hazel alone after a recent divorce.

Adelaide’s uncle and a screenwriter with a love for magic and fantasy; he serves as a positive role model and mentor for Hazel with his creative perspective and sense of humor.

Book Details
Pages

320

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Minnesota • Contemporary

Publication Year

2011

Publisher

Walden Pond Press

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

8-12 years

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