A Tangle of Knots

America's got Talents in this cozy novel from Graff (Double Dog Dare), set in a contemporary world in which certain people have specialized abilities, from levitation to spitting perfectly. Eleven-year-old orphan Cady has a Talent for baking--not only does Cady create the most delicious cakes around, she innately knows what someone's "perfect" cake is. When she gets adopted, her Talent helps unravel the mysteries of her past, but it also puts her in danger of losing her ability. Set mostly in Poughkeepsie, N.Y., Graff's story has a warmth and gentle humor that, along with the premise, calls to mind Ingrid Law's Savvy. The author flips neatly between the perspectives of multiple characters, and the intricate connections between the narratives come together in a pleasing way as secrets are revealed. Readers who share Cady's love of baking will appreciate the inclusion of several cake recipes, like Marigold's lime pound cake and Mrs. Asher's honey cake, which are mentioned throughout the story and tied to key characters. Ages 8-up. Agent: Stephen Barbara, Foundry Literary + Media. (Feb.)

Copyright 2012 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

Gr 3-7--Graff has created a world very much like our own, but just a little bit magical. In this version of Poughkeepsie, New York, many lucky people have Talent, one skill that makes them special. Cady, an orphan who lives with kindly Miss Mallory, can look at a person and immediately know what they like and bake their ideal cake. Miss Mallory's talent is finding just-right parents for orphans, but so far, she hasn't felt that perfect-parent pull for Cady. While the 11-year-old is the star of this tale, the novel integrates an expertly developed cast of supporting characters who all have their own amazing stories. Not until the very end do readers see how their paths intertwine. The plot twists deliciously around an irresistible peanut butter factory, an evil Talent thief, a very important hair pin, and a rare powder-blue suitcase that could hold the key to everything. Sprinkled throughout is a generous helping of cake recipes, perfectly suited to each of the characters, just begging to be tried. Recommend this one to fans of Sheila O'Connor, who will appreciate the charming and unusual setting, and Wendy Mass, for those who like a little dose of fantasy thrown in with their realism.--Mandy Laferriere, Staley Middle School, Frisco, TX

Copyright 2013 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Praise for A TANGLE OF KNOTS:

"[A] blithe magical puzzle." —Meghan Cox Gurdon, The Wall Street Journal

"Lisa Graff has created a beautiful world of deliciously interconnected stories that draw you in." —Abby West, Entertainment Weekly [A-]

* "Subtle and intricate, rich with humor and insight, this quietly magical adventure delights." —Kirkus Reviews *STARRED*

* "Combining the literary sensibility of E. B. White with the insouciance of Louis Sachar, Graff has written a tangle that should satisfy readers for years to come." —Booklist *STARRED*

"Graff's story has a warmth and gentle humor that, along with the premise, calls to mind Ingrid Law's Savvy." —Publishers Weekly