THE BOOKSHOP OF DUST AND DREAMS

All bookshops feel magical, but even so, Rhyme and Reason is special.

Thirteen-year-old Poppy Fulbright is lucky enough to work in and live above one of the most magical bookshops of all time. In fact, time is precisely why it is unique. Sutton, New York, in 1944 isn’t the only time and place in which Rhyme and Reason exists: Poppy’s family’s magical bookshop appears to patrons whenever they need it most, regardless of the year or where they are located. The magic that exists within the shop comes with its own set of rules, and they’re strictly enforced by the Council. When Carl, the best friend of Poppy’s older brother, Al, dies while fighting in World War II, Al wants to break the rules and use the time-traveling magic of the bookshop to save his life. This historical fantasy is whimsical yet bittersweet given the subject matter. While the premise is engaging, the lackluster plot would have benefited from deeper character development and more expansive worldbuilding. Despite this, the book could appeal to readers who understand the magic that a dusty old bookshop can contain and who appreciate the power of the perfect book. Most characters are cued as White; the shop courier and the Council Leader have brown skin.

A simple tale of family, friendship, and the magic of reading.