The Tiltersmith

Gr 3-7–Herrick’s middle grade novel is set in New York in what is turning out to be a very long winter. The main characters, four friends and their teacher, disagree on what is causing the freakish weather. Is it climate change or magic? If spring is to begin, the friends must use their diverse talents to free the Lady of Spring and keep a mysterious set of tools away from their enemy, the creepy Tiltersmith. It won’t be easy, though, as the friends are dealing with instances of forgetfulness and unexplained memories. Details about a developing romance, and the different home lives and backgrounds of the characters add interest to the main story. The descriptions are rich in vocabulary and make readers feel immersed in the weather and outdoor scenes. Tweens interested in ecology, science, weather, or fantasy stories with the same setting as the author’s previous book, The Time Fetch, will enjoy this book. The cast includes white, Black, and Latinx characters.