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MADAPPLE Christina Meldrum Hardcover | Knopf Books for Young Readers | 978-0-375-85176-6 | May 2008 | $16.99 | Ages 14 up Hardcover Library Binding | Knopf Books for Young Readers | 978-0-375-95176-3 | May 2008 | $19.99 | Ages 14 up

Aslaug Datter is only sixteen-years-old when she is put on trial for her mother’s mysterious death. She is cleared and released of charges, but finds herself in unfamiliar territory when she discovers her mother’s estranged sister, Pastor Sara Lerner. Aslaug and her mother had lived a life in complete isolation. They studied plants and nature, ancient religions and languages. There were times when Aslaug wished for a life on the "outside." She wanted to know the identity of her father, and she wondered why her mother wouldn’t reveal anything about her past. Pastor Sara knows the answers to Aslaug’s questions. She also attempts to brainwash Aslaug and hold her hostage to the church. The church burns, and the police say it's arson. Aslaug is once again on trial–this time for double murder.

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Prepared by Pat Scales, retired director of library services, South Carolina Governor's School for the Arts and Humanities

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