The Castle Key

Darleen R. Golke is a high-school teacher-librarian in Winnipeg,
Manitoba.

“Magic” keeps Moon Arlette functioning. Her real-life coping with a
depressed father has been miserable since her mom left on the day Moon
turned 12. “[M]agic offer[s] me hope that I [will] have a happier life
again. A life that include[s] my mother,” she explains to her friend
Duncan.

Before leaving, Mom had given Moon a sapphire ring inscribed with the
words “choose belief over doubt.” Unfortunately, Moon lost the
talisman almost immediately, but not her faith in magic. She reasoned
that if she believed in something, she could make it happen, with a
little work.

The “magic seekers” contend with Ms. Tanglemoth, the grumpy
librarian, in whose back storeroom Moon finds a small chest holding an
old key. The magic key transports Moon to the 13th century where she
observes 12-year-old Nora (Eleanora of Stedmere), who bears a remarkable
resemblance to Moon’s mother. Abandoned by her father, Kendrick the
Brute, Nora perishes in the siege of Stedmere Castle and angrily curses
him and his descendants. Among them is Ms. Tanglemoth, who reveals she
is actually Moon’s step-aunt and insists that only Moon can help break
the family curse. With Duncan’s assistance, Moon is successful. Nora
and all her descendants are released, Moon recovers her lost ring, Ms.
Tanglemoth relaxes, Dad’s depression lifts, Duncan gains confidence,
and Mom sends word she is moving back to town.

Stories about magic continue to be a favorite with young readers. Moon,
a determined preteen seeking a happier situation, firmly believes that
magic will help restore balance to her world, and willingly takes risks
to achieve it. Duncan functions well as her assistant and support as
they manipulate events in their quest. Moon’s narration is fast-paced
and lively, smoothly blending the past-time sequences with the present.
Recommended.