Hereville: How Mirka Got Her Sword

Reader: Elise S.
Age: 14
Title: Hereville: How Mirka Got Her Sword
Author: Barry Deutsch
Publisher: Amulet Books
Pub Date: Nov 2010
Galley: Yes
Recommend: No
Compelling Aspect of the Book: I really loved learning more about Orthodox Jewish traditions, even though at points it was a little bit forced. The different perspectives he drew at brought you into the story sort of like a movie too, which was cool.
Were you disappointed with the book at all: From the cover, I was expecting something really creative, exciting, and sort of silly in a Terry Pratchett-esque way. It wasn't. It was rather predictable, and switched in and out of context by randomly mentioning really modern things that didn't fit. The characters and plot felt forced and flat a lot of the time.
Comments: The main thing I don't understand is why this is in the teen section. It would be with its family in the children's section, and a good way to teach kids about different cultures.
Cover: I thought the cover was really cute, though it kind of gave away the fact that she got the sword. It looked fun, creative, and vaguely interesting. And the little line at the top was perfect, and, in the end, why I picked up the book: 'Yet Another Troll-Fighting 11-Year-Old Orthodox Jewish Girl.'
Did you finish: Yes
Age Range: Under 12
Quality: 2Q Needs more work
Popularity: 2P Only for special interest