The Winter of the Dollhouse by Laura Amy Schlitz

What worked:

The book is written with two overlapping stories starring a young girl named Tiph and a rare, expensive, four-inch doll named Gretel. Readers should feel some empathy for Tiph, as she is the oldest child living with two younger stepsiblings. Her mother died when she was 2 ½ years old, and her stepmother has been kind to her. However, Tiph’s little brother was born with a hole in his heart, and her baby sister seems to cry all of the time. Tiph doesn’t get the attention she once received, and she feels the strain from her parents’ arguing. The family recently moved, and Tiph hasn’t made any friends at her new school. She’s feeling lonely and adrift, so meeting an old Hungarian woman may be the connection she needs. Tiph feels the conflict of being told she’s a wonderful sister, while she knows she’s done bad things and had bad thoughts. Readers will experience her stress as the struggle between reality and perceptions worsens.

Readers learn that dolls become more “alive” when kids play with them. They can’t let humans see them move, but Gretel talks to another doll named Red when no one’s around. Gretel and Red become friends, as they observe, play, and discuss their hopes of being purchased by families with kids. Red has more experience as a family toy, and she shares her stories and advice with Gretel. Gretel’s greatest desire is to be bought by Tiph, but she knows the young girl probably can’t afford the costly price tag. When Tiph steals Gretel from the store, Red and Gretel work together to find their happily ever after.

The elderly Hungarian woman, Nene Szilvia, is kind and generous, and she acts as Tiph’s moral support throughout the story. She’s recovering from stomach surgery when readers first meet her, and she appreciates the different ways Tiph helps. Tiph walks her dog and cleans the cat’s litterbox, but her greatest gift is keeping Nene Szilvia company. This connection will resonate with young readers who have close relationships with their grandparents. Tiph can talk about her problems at home and school, and Nene Szilvia is good about not passing judgment. A school play of the “Wizard of Oz” becomes the catalyst for big changes in Tiph’s life, and all of her issues come to a head as show time approaches.

What didn’t work as well:

The early part of the book feels like it develops slowly, as the author creates a foundation to build on. The story won’t appeal to all readers due to dolls and dollhouses being featured. Tiph’s family and school issues are more relatable to a wider audience.

The final verdict:

This warm, heartfelt story is full of emotions that will leave readers with a warm feeling inside. Tiph is the main character, but readers will become engrossed in Gretel’s drama, too. I recommend you give this book a chance.