Earth and Air: Tales of Elemental Creatures

Gr 7–9—In this companion to Water (2002) and Fire (2009, both Putnam), his short story collections with Robin McKinley, Dickinson goes solo as he explores fantastic creatures of the realms of earth and air. Drawing on ancient Norse, Celtic/British, Greek, and Roman mythological traditions, and using a rather formal style that hints at folktale, he explores the relationship of people to the gods and how they react when confronted with the fantastic. In these five varied stories, a woman with a genetic connection to trolls finds a way to make a deal with one in order to save her husband; a man who kills a gryphon finds himself in a process of physical transformation; a boy whose beloved dog dies ventures into Hell to find her; a brother and sister who save an owl find supernatural help as they confront evil in their village; and a magical spirit, a wizand, enables a young girl to connect to the magical power within herself. Unfortunately, the first story is the least accessible, with unexplained literary and cultural references that threaten to overwhelm the storytelling, and "Wizand" suffers from too much exposition, but the other three stories sparkle with plot twists and powerful imagery, and will be enjoyed by readers who welcome a challenge. This is ultimately a wonderfully hopeful work, with glimpses at some of the best of human nature: compassion, love, a sense of right and fairness, and a correspondingly humane response from the supernatural powers.Sue Giffard, Ethical Culture Fieldston School, New York City