The Green Children of Woolpit by J. Anderson Coats
I received a complimentary ARC from the publisher, courtesy of NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
BOOK SUMMARY
It is the autumn of 1160, and twelve-year-old Agnes is helping with the harvest when she hears a frightened voice calling from the nearby woods. When she goes to investigate, Agnes can’t believe what she sees. There, at the bottom of the deep wolf traps, are two children. They are shouting in a language no one understands—and their skin is green.
Agnes soon discovers that these are no ordinary children; in fact, they aren’t even human. They are of the Fair Folk, and they are here to take Agnes home to their world. Trusting that the Fair Folk cannot lie, Agnes agrees to venture underground. But she soon learns just how dangerous their world is—and what it will take to break the ancient bargain meant to keep her there.
BOOK DETAILS
The Green Children of Woolpit by J. Anderson Coats
Children's Fiction / Historical / Medieval / Fairies
Published 2019 by Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing, Atheneum Books for Young Readers
Hardcover, 272 pages
My Rating: 3.5 of 5 Stars
J. Anderson Coats weaves a spine-tingling tale reimaging The Legend of the Green Children of Woolpit. Ancient bargains, otherworldly creatures, a wise pig, and dangerous adventures await young readers.
When twelve-year-old Agnes discovers two trapped Fae children and frees them, she releases an ancient bargain struck that threatens to destroy everyone she loves.
Imagine bringing home two children, green ones at that, who speak a strange language and seem to be suffering, only to find out they bring with them a cursed bargain and lies.
J. Anderson Coats creates a lovely tale with fairy tale vibes about family, honesty, and finding your place. I would recommend this to patient readers as the story is slow and meandering. Included are positive themes about girls helping each other out and forgiveness. My only complaint is the characters fall slightly flat beside Agnes and her two green companions.
