Brambleheart: A Story about Finding Treasure and the Unexpected Magic of Friendship
(Brambleheart #1)

Gr 4-6--Twig just isn't like anyone else he knows. Despite being well-meaning, sensitive, and thoughtful, the little chipmunk can't seem to fulfill the expectations of his teachers or his community. On "the Hill," aptitude in crafts is the only acceptable route to prestige and a named place in the social hierarchy. Twig tries, but he'd rather read picture books and dream than practice his knots or brush up on his lousy welding skills. When a chance adventure ends in Twig and his best friend, Lily, assuming responsibility for a baby dragon, Twig's skills get a boost but his future becomes even more precarious. What does he truly want? Who does he want to be? In this sweet but slightly heavy-handed illustrated fable, Cole tackles large themes with a gentle tone. Failure, frustration, family, and friendship are at the heart of this sweet tale, and loyalty and camaraderie are the driving forces of the simple plot. The ending, which includes a surprising about-face from a secondary character, feels rushed but leaves the story pleasingly open-ended. VERDICT A good pick for proficient younger readers who prefer gentler themes.--Katya Schapiro, Brooklyn Public Library