PETER PAN IN SCARLET

In the year’s most hyped title for young readers, the much-honored McCaughrean delivers an “authorized” sequel that stays true to the original’s style and spirit but speaks to modern sensibilities as well. Disturbed by a tide of entirely too-real dreams flowing out of Neverland, the now-grown Wendy and Lost Boys contrive a way to fly back as children. They find their old haunt a poisoned place, with trees turned autumnal, skeletons of mermaids on the beach and Peter himself particularly sullen and unlikable. Getting to the cause takes them on a harrowing quest for treasure buried atop wintry Neverpeak. The new tale smoothes out a few wrinkles in the old, adding another girl to the cast with the temporary transformation of Tootles and redefining the “redskins” as the diverse Tribes of the Eight Nations. McCaughrean also tucks in a band of humorously disaffected adolescents dubbed “Roarers,” deft literary allusions from Barrie and other writers, reunions that range from tearful to shocking and (inevitably) a sequel-ready conclusion. Worthy homage, all in all, as well as a strong, poignant tale in its own right. Silhouette illustrations à la Arthur Rackham’s for Peter Pan in Kensington Gardens (1906) not seen. (Q & A) (Fantasy. 11-13, adult)