In my Twitterature post earlier this week, I promised more about The Real Boy, a new middle grade novel by Anne Ursu, author of Breadcrumbs. I finished reading The Real Boy yesterday and am definitely still thinking about it.

I often bemoan the fact that Caroline does not like reading fantasy books. It really limits her choices and frankly, I am running out of realistic fiction to recommend to her. But then I remember that I don’t really like fantasy either so maybe I should stop complaining. All that said, I will be recommending The Real Boy to her for sure. While we don’t like fantasy, we both love Harry Potter and dare I say it, The Real Boy has a touch of that feel to it. Interestingly, I’ve read a lot of reviews of The Real Boy and others aren’t drawing that comparison so maybe I’m a bit off but I’m going to stick with it.

The Real Boy tells the story of Oscar, a hand to a magician in a land that serves the shining people of the city. There are questions of magic, friendship and what is, indeed, real. Oscar is different from others and watching him learn how to communicate with people, while forging a friendship with the Healer’s apprentice, Callie, is amazing to watch.

The Real Boy is certainly worth the time spent to read it. I hope you enjoy it as much as I have.