Liesl & Po.

Gr 5–8—When Liesl meets Po, they embark on a fantastic journey that will leave both of them changed forever. Liesl has been locked away by her evil stepmother since before her beloved father died. Po, a childlike ghost who no longer remembers what it used to be, is drawn to Liesl's drawings and agrees to help her escape her prison. They meet Will, a hapless alchemist's apprentice, and the unlikely trio starts on a quest to bring peace to Liesl's father by bringing his ashes to be buried next to her mother's grave. They are unaware that Will has inadvertently given them a box of magic instead of the ashes. As they travel through the bleak and sunless world, they meet unexpected foes and unlikely allies, and discover new truths about the meaning of life, death, and magic. Oliver's emotional fantasy (HarperCollins, 2011) contains elements from classic fairy tales, and Jim Dale's inimitable voice and lyrical narration brings the story and the multi-accented cast of characters to life. Suggested for fans of Kate Klise and Eva Ibbotson, this tale will touch anyone who has ever needed a friend.—Michaela Schied, Indian River Middle School, Philadelphia, NY