<h3>A Curse Dark as Gold</h3>

Bunce, E. (2008). A Curse Dark as Gold. NY: Arthur A. Levine. ISBN: 9780439895767.

Plot Summary: There are rumors all around the town that Stirwaters mill is cursed. Charlotte Miller doesn't know the half of it. That is, until her father dies and she and her younger sister, Rosie, are forced to take over Stirwaters. It seems that as soon as Charlotte gets hold of something at the mill, something else falls to pieces. It's an overwhelming task for anyone, but especially for two young girls in a time and place when women are powerless to control their destinies.

Luckily, Charlotte and Rosie's Uncle Wheeler soon arrives to take charge. Their late mother's brother wears powdered wigs and insists that the girls get ready for a trip to the city so they can look for suitable marriage partners. Soon they discover that his arrival may be more unfortunate than fortunate. As Charlotte struggles to keep the mill that has been in her family for generations, Uncle Wheeler seems to have more debts accruing and more secret dealings with the Pinchfields, the rival mill to Stirwaters.

Just as hope seems to be lost, Jack Spinner appears. He's a mysterious man who offers to spin simple straw into the most beautiful, pure golden thread the Millers have ever seen and only asks a small price in return. Charlotte allows Spinner a night in the mill and later discovers spools and spools of golden thread just as he promised. It’s the answer to all her prayers, until she discovers the consequences of her decision.

Critical Evaluation: This is a spooky and suspenseful novel that has a Charles Dickensonian feel to it. It’s a retelling of the Rumpelstiltskin fairy tale with an innovative interpretation. The story is mysterious and hauntingly evocative. The sisters, Charlotte and Rosie, are strong, fully rendered characters who are defined by their fierce loyalty and determination to survive, even though they possess typical teenage longings and uncertainties. Likewise, the villains are drawn with subtle nuance and power so that they are just as complicated as the main characters. This book is elegantly written and the setting itself is richly detailed with symbolic value, which adds to the romance of the novel.

Reader’s Annotation:
A thread of shimmering gold promises Charlotte Miller a way out of debt and a chance to save her family's beloved wool mill. It might even promise what she didn't know she needed: hope and love. But there are consequences to taking the riches. Should she do it?

Information About the Author:
A historical costumer who cuts, sews and embroiders, Elizabeth C. Bunce also has a strong interest in mythology, fairy tales, as well as the folklore of ghosts and folk magic. She received her B.A in English and Anthropology from the University of Iowa, with an emphasis in traditional storytelling. A Curse Dark as Gold is the Winner of the 2009 William C. Morris Young Adult Debut Award, the ALA Best Book for Young Adults and Oprah’s Book Club: Kids’ Reading List. She currently lives with her husband and their dogs near Kansas City, Missouri.

Genre:
Teen Issues: Homelessness and Foster Living
Contemporary Life: Coming of Age
Mystery and Suspense
Fantasy: Fairy Tales

Curriculum Ties: English class, Book clubs, Social clubs

Booktalking Ideas:
1.) Charlotte’s pagan world vs. the Christian traditionals
2.) The role of magic in this story
3.) The importance of family to Charlotte
4.) The role of light hope and dark curses in the story
5.) Why is this book scary?

Reading Level/Interest Age: Grades 9-12

Challenge Issues/Defenses:

Potential Challenges:
• Portrayal of Villains and Evil Forces

Defense Strategy:
• Provide our Collection Development Policy (which includes Young Adult scope): http://ww2.cityofpasadena.net/library/collection.asp

• Refer to awards won by this book from reputable organizations:
http://www.elizabethcbunce.com/elizabethcbunce/Home.html

•Provide book reviews by established publications:
http://www.arthuralevinebooks.com/book.asp?bookid=133

• Provide book reviews by actual readers on a publicly accessible website:
http://www.amazon.com/Curse-Dark-as-Gold/dp/0439895766

Why This Book Was Included: I read a review of this book awhile ago and it sounded intriguing. It’s a good book, though I think other authors have retold fairy tales in a much more compelling way. However, it was still a satisfying read.