Rose
Gr 4–6—When you're an orphan, even magical abilities can be of little use. While Rose can conjure fantastic images to cheer up her disheartened friends, she sees no real value to her strange power. Desiring the simple comforts of a steady job and a warm bed, Rose happily leaves the orphanage for a coveted position as a housemaid to the wealthy alchemist, Mr. Fountain. Her new life is anything but normal as she discovers that her employer's house is alive with magic. Stairs move and cats speak, though none of the other staff realizes it. Afraid that she will lose her job if her magical talents are discovered, Rose keeps them hidden. She soon meets Freddie, the alchemist's apprentice, who recognizes her special ability. When Rose's friends from the orphanage go missing, along with many other children, Rose and Freddie must work together to solve the mystery. Set during the Victorian era, this novel is filled with realism and detail. Rich vocabulary and a particularly scary encounter with a powerful witch set this title apart from other books in the genre. Fans of light fantasy and mystery will devour this intriguing story and eagerly await the sequel.—Sada Mozer, Los Angeles Public Library