Liesl & Po

November 2, 2011 Uncategorized 0

Liesl & Po

Author: Lauren Oliver
Publisher: Harper Collins
Publication Date: October 4, 2011
Pages: 307
Source: ARC from SLJ Day of Dialogue 


About the Book: Liesl lives in a tiny attic bedroom, locked away by her cruel stepmother. Her only friends are the shadows and the mice—until one night a ghost appears from the darkness. It is Po, who comes from the Other Side. Both Liesl and Po are lonely, but together they are less alone.

That same night, an alchemist’s apprentice, Will, bungles an important delivery. He accidentally switches a box containing the most powerful magic in the world with one containing something decidedly less remarkable
Will’s mistake has tremendous consequences for Liesl and Po, and it draws the three of them together on an extraordinary journey.
From New York Times bestselling author Lauren Oliver comes a luminous and magnificent novel that glows with rare magic, ghostly wonders, and a true friendship that lights even the darkest of places.

My Thoughts: What a touching story! Reading it took me back to the first time I read such classics as The Secret Garden, The Little Princess, Heidi, and Anne of Green Gables. It has that quality about it… that special something each of those books has. 


One of my favorite aspects of this story was the intersecting story lines. I love the way we meet the characters independently and then see how events occur to bring them together. It made for some really fun twists. I also really loved the more existential questions that Po, Bundle, and the “Other Side” bring to the story. I thought it was really beautiful.


And the magic! Who doesn’t love the idea that there is magic out there? Especially if it’s “the most powerful magic in the world.” What is that magic? We don’t know! That’s kind of magic in itself!


Liesl & Po is a truly lovely story. You can enjoy it on your own but it would make a great read aloud! I plan on reading it with my niece Anja.

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