The Silver Gate by Kristin Bailey (review)

Eleven years ago, Elric gained a little sister, and due to Wynn’s developmental delays and unusual appearance Elric’s mother took the girl to live in the woods, knowing that the people of their village would think Wynn a changeling. When Elric’s mother dies, his father (who wanted to kill Wynn at birth) decides to sell Wynn to the lord of their fiefdom. Elric flees with Wynn, hoping the siblings will find respite somewhere, but they’re met with disdain, mockery, and hostility. Wynn’s not worried, though, as she’s convinced they’re going to discover the legendary Silver Gate, which will lead them to the safety of the Fairy Queen’s land. Bailey largely avoids the cliché of the preternaturally wise developmentally delayed child while still keeping magic in the story. Wynn’s no ethereal angel: she’s completely off key when she sings the Fairy Queen Song, she throws several tantrums, and her best intentions don’t always bring the siblings luck. Elric, too, is realistic as a brother who wants to protect his sister even he sometimes despairs at the task. The fantasy element is slight, though, coming only from the legend of the Fairy Queen and the kids’ inevitable meeting with her, and the events that have them racing from one bad situation to the next are too convenient. Still, a tale of kids on a magical quest is a perennial favorite, and this will likely find an audience. An author’s note at the beginning informs the reader that Wynn has Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome and explains the condition.