Scholastic, New York, 1997, 1^st pr.  ISBN 0-590-56890-6.  Soft cover, 112+ pages.  Wraps show edge and cover wear, corner bends and scrapes; tight binding.  Interior clean and unmarked with tanned/browning pages.  ‘Everyone in Goshen Falls knows about weird Vanessa.  She dresses all in black.  Wears black lipstick.  And puts spells on people.  At least, that’s what they say.  Crystal and her brother, Cole, know you can’t believe everything you hear.  But that was before they made Vanessa mad.  Before she whispered that strange warning, “Chicken chicken.”  Because now something really weird has happened.  Crystal’s lips have turned as hard as a bird’s beak.  And Cole has started growing ugly white feathers all over his body….’ (from rear wrap)

Plot Summary

In this captivating tale set in the seemingly quiet town of Goshen Falls, the mysterious Vanessa stands out as an enigmatic figure shrouded in rumors and superstition. Crystal and her brother Cole, skeptical yet intrigued, soon find themselves caught in a strange and magical predicament after crossing Vanessa. The siblings’ transformations—Crystal’s lips hardening like a bird’s beak, and Cole sprouting white feathers—usher them into a world where the line between reality and enchantment blurs.

Themes and Motifs

The story explores themes of fear, misunderstanding, and the power of belief. Vanessa, misunderstood by her community, symbolizes the outsider and how rumors can shape perceptions unfairly. Crystal and Cole’s ordeal challenges their own beliefs, forcing them to confront the unknown and ultimately learn empathy and courage. The motif of transformation serves as a metaphor for change and acceptance, as the siblings navigate their new reality.

Author’s Style

The narrative is delivered with a blend of suspense and whimsy, appealing to middle-grade readers who enjoy a mix of mystery and fantasy. The author’s use of vivid imagery and relatable characters draws readers into the eerie yet charming setting of Goshen Falls, making the supernatural elements both believable and engaging.

Target Audience

This book is perfect for readers aged9 to13 who are fascinated by magical realism and stories that combine everyday life with extraordinary events. It serves as a gentle introduction to themes of difference and acceptance, wrapped in an adventurous and entertaining package.

Condition and Collectibility

The soft cover edition from1997 is a desirable find for collectors of vintage children’s literature. Despite some wear to the wraps and slight browning of the pages due to age, the book remains structurally sound with a tight binding and clean interior, making it a valuable addition to any personal library.

Conclusion

Overall, this intriguing story offers a delightful blend of mystery and magic that encourages readers to look beyond appearances and question the stories they hear. It’s a timeless reminder that sometimes, what seems weird or frightening is simply misunderstood, and friendship and bravery can overcome even the most peculiar challenges.