Years ago I read and enjoyed Dowell ’s novel Dovey Coe about a young Appalachian girl wanting to set the record straight about a murder, and since fantasy is such a departure for the author, I was curious to pick up her latest novel, Falling In. I guess if you’re a good writer, you can write about many things -- even witches.

Isabelle Bean is a sixth-grader who tries to blend in with the woodwork. She realizes she’s different than everyone else and tries her best not to bring attention to that fact. However, a trip to the principle’s office leads Isabelle on an adventure which not only proves that she is indeed different, but that she also has a gift.

An open closet door sends Isabelle ‘falling in’ to a parallel world which has a medieval feel to it and the people still believe in witches. In fact, it turns out that Isabelle has been lured to this world to help the “witch” who has terrorized the countryside. She wants Isabelle to prove to the villagers that she isn’t wicked and that she isn’t even a witch. And even more surprising, the non-witch is Isabelle’s biological grandmother. This novel is perfectly paced, has an engaging protagonist who everyone can relate to on some level, and best of all, is ultimately a story about friendship and looking beneath the surface. Fun, fun read for 8 to 12 year olds! ~Patti