The Magic Mirror: Concerning a Lonely Princess, a Foundling Girl, a Scheming King and a Pickpocket Squirrel

In this medieval adventure, Long (Whistle in the Dark) blends classic fairy tale elements with swift pacing and broad humor. Created through a combination of alchemy and glassmaking, the magic mirror of the title reveals different truths to those who behold it. After drawing readers in with a scene teasing royal murder and intrigue, Long jumps ahead 10 years as the mirror comes into the possession of a 15-year-old foundling named Margaret, known for her limp. Margaret sees a man with wild green eyes in the mirror, and she decides to seek him out, fleeing the home of her ill-tempered protector after the threat of an unwanted betrothal. Once on the road, Margaret encounters a motley crew including a highway robber, a musically talented pilgrim, and a princess to whom Margaret bears a striking resemblance. While some of the narrative devices used are a bit convenient, Long's story is full of twists and surprises. Margaret may not get a traditional happy ending, but her triumph proves all the more satisfying for it. Ages 8-12. Agent: Heather Schroder, Compass Talent. (May)

Copyright 2016 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

Gr 4-7--A magic mirror, traded for Margaret's crutch, sets off a merry fugue of medieval travels. Although the focus continually returns to Margaret, the lives of a delightful cast of characters, including her sullen mistress, a wily peddler, a boy with bagpipes, a monk, a beggar, a lonely and frightened princess, and even the wild-eyed man whose face appears to Margaret in the mirror, are gradually untangled and rewoven together. The sense of anticipation as connections are revealed to readers before the characters make them is fun and pushes the story forward. These twists and turns may be a concern for struggling readers, but period-inspired comedy will maintain engagement, especially when combined with such a lively plot. The whip-smart dialogue plainly divulges deep characterization without falling back on tiresome exposition. Although the book, including the cover art, seems to advertise a fairy tale, the historical aspects of the novel actually shine brighter, even when they focus on some of the lighter aspects of medieval life.

Copyright 2016 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

I love this book—an uproarious, thoughtful, touching, absurd, ans altogether splendid adventure. —Karen Cushman, Newbery Medal-winning author of The Midwife's Apprentice and Catherine, Called Birdy

In a word—extraordinary! —Heather Vogel Frederick, author of The Mother-Daughter Book Club

"This book may be about a magic mirror, but it casts a magic spell of its own on the reader. Brilliant!" —Kirby Larson, Newbery Honor-winning author of Hattie Big Sky

"Susan Hill Long has managed to pack everything I love into one book: adventure, humor, mystery, friendship, romance, magic, and even a pickpocket squirrel! The Magic Mirror is that rare gem of a book that everyone will love." —Barbara O'Connor, author of How to Steal a Dog

"Young readers will cheer for the brave heroine at the center of this adventure, which is filled with mystery, intrigue, and laughter. I loved Maggie and her story!" —Augusta Scattergood, author of Glory Be

Long's story is full of twists and surprises. Margaret may not get a traditional happy ending, but her triumph proves all the more satisfying for it. — Publishers Weekly

A magic mirror, traded for Margaret's crutch, sets off a merry fugue of medieval travels. Although the focus continually returns to Margaret, the lives of a delightful cast of characters, including her sullen mistress, a wily peddler, a boy with bagpipes, a monk, a beggar, a lonely and frightened princess, and even the wild-eyed man whose face appears to Margaret in the mirror, are gradually untangled and rewoven together. — School Library Journal

Margaret's so earnest and charming that it's impossible not to root for her.—Bulletin