The Magic Mirror

OK, first I have to say the cover art is not doing this book any favors.  It seems to be marketed toward the upper elementary crowd based on the cover, but I think it will appeal more to 7th-9th graders.  This is a mystery of the publishing world I will probably never understand.  I will just have to work harder to get my older kids to read this one because Susan Hill Long's medieval fantasy is definitely worth the effort!

Margaret is an orphan with a twisted leg.  The local bullies tease her mercilessly and sometimes call her Maggot.  One day she meets a peddler who saves her from the bullies and shows her a magic mirror.  Instead of her own face, Margaret sees a red-haired man working feverishly.  She feels this man has something to do with her destiny.  When her caretaker announces that Margaret will marry the local hunchback, Maggie decides to run away.

Thus begins her journey through the countryside and many adventures.  By the end of the book, Margaret will discover that there are no chance meetings or coincidences.  All the characters and events will meet together to tie up nicely in the end when Margaret learns the truth about her identity and her destiny.

I have to admit I'm a sucker for this kind of intricate plotting where everything is a clue, and everyone is important.  Hand this to fairy tale fans who enjoy a good mysterious plot.