Matchless by Gregory Maguire

On an island so far north that it snowed from September to April, a boy named Frederik kept himself warm by keeping a secret.

What a sweet, sad but hopeful little story.  It's the classic Little Match Girl story tied together with the story of Frederik, a poor simple boy.  The Little Match Girl tale is sandwiched between Frederik's story and is an almost faithful version of that story. The tale of Frederik is just as simple.  A little boy who barely interacts with the Little Match Girl but whose life intersects with hers nonetheless.  It is a very short, very simple tale much like a classic fairy tale but so so sweet.  I will admit to tearing up at the end.  It is a beautiful little book.

Hogwarts: Charms
Holiday Reading