Wanda Seasongood and the Mostly True Secret by Susan Lurie (review)

Wanda's wretched eight-year-old brother, Zane, can do no wrong in their parents' eyes and they shower this beastly child with undeserving praises as he makes life a hellish existence for his sister, the recipient of the parents' nonstop criticisms. When a bluebird flies into her window, Wanda discovers he speaks, he's named Voltaire (whom he frequently quotes), and he has a secret for her, which unfortunately he's forgotten. Clues lead them into the Scary Wood, where Wanda narrowly escapes Groods threatening to slice her up thin and a swamp goblin that plans to make her a permanent ghostly resident of Gravesend Landing, but the most menacing threat is the power-hungry witch Raymunda, who cast a spell on Zane and Wanda's parents. Lurie spins a tale with satisfying twists and turns to keep the reader wondering who, if anyone, can be trusted in this fantastical adventure. By the conclusion, several secrets come to light (for instance, Wanda's parents are spellbound, not heartless). Wanda carries the weight of her troubles well and makes a determined heroine who is up for back-to-back challenges which she inevitably overcomes with the help of the comically confused bird. Look for a follow-up novel as Wanda will return to the Scary Wood to face Raymunda again.