It is shards of a broken, but enchanted mirror that fall to earth setting in motion this story of great friendship. When Hazel's best friend Jack has a piece of glass get stuck in his eye, he changes, as does everything else touched by the badness of the broken glass. He no longer is kind to Hazel and it devastates her. She knows boys get "thick and scratchy" as they get older and her mother tries to reassure her, but Hazel also knows Jack would never stop being her friend. When classmate Tyler confides in Hazel that he saw a witch take Jack away with her into the woods, Hazel begins her quest to rescue him. Hazel is a girl of fantasy and fairytales, and has a great imagination. But she finds that being in the woods is not the fairytale she imagined. Nothing makes sense there and danger is everywhere from those who would prefer her to stray from her task. Others in the forest tell her the White Witch only takes those who want to be taken. Does Jack even want to be rescued? Jack's life at home had not been good, but Hazel never doubts their friendship and knows she must try to bring him back to reality. Beautifully written story recommended for readers grades 5-9 who enjoy fairytales and magic. Careful readers will notice hints of other stories throughout the pages of this magical story, and chuckle.
