Finding Gossamyr

Gr 3–6—While interviewing for an elite private school, Denny solves an equation that opens a portal to a fantasy world where math is used to manipulate reality and is the key weapon between haughty, conquering elves and a mixed band of rebellious underclasses. Denny presents on the autistic spectrum, causing emotional distress for his older sister and guardian, Jenna, who finds herself unable to cope with his specialized demands. They would each come across as unsympathetic leads if their character designs weren't so saintly. In fact, all of the characters are designed within an inch of caricature, their visual impressions telling readers everything about their nature, good or bad, in the most simplistic of strokes. It's a pity, because the emotional content is layered and effective, and the author has clearly created a world of significant breadth and detail. Unfortunately, his introduction to that world is riddled with visual cliché. The lack of originality here will rankle veteran readers.—Benjamin Russell, Belmont High School, NH