A Review of Breadcrumbs by Anne Ursu, Illustrated by Erin McGuire

Hazel and Jack have been best friends since they were six years old. They spend their hot Minneapolis summers playing baseball with superheros, and the cold winters travelling to Narnia. He helped her through her parents' divorce, and she was his support during his mother's depression. When Jack suddenly stops talking to Hazel, her mother tries to convince her that this happens all the time, that it is to be expected when boys and girls who are friends reach a certain age. But Hazel knows better. She knows that best friends don't stop talking to you for no reason at all, and she has read enough stories to recognize evil magic. She knows it's up to her to save Jack.

This sweet, surprisingly gentle book shows a young girl finding the inner strength to save her best friend, herself, and the other people she meets on her adventure. It is written for late elementary students, but the occasionally heavy issues that are touched upon makes it suitable for older readers as well. I myself thoroughly enjoyed reading this novel.

Hazel's problems do not go away with the end of the story. But she does gain two new potential friends, the knowledge that she has the strength to battle anything, and a little bit of hope for the future.

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