Twilight Child

by Sally Warner

Eleni didn't choose to be a twilight child; it chose her. Born on the longest day of the year in the northern country of Finland, Eleni can communicate with creatures unseen by others the tontuu of the sauna, the blue men of the Minch, and the brounies of the Scottish highlands. Part of her life is touched by magic, but the other is touched by sorrow. After losing her home, her family, and the boy she loves, Eleni finds comfort and friendship in the little town of Tobermorie. But as much as she wants to call it home, she feels the pull of someone, and something, stronger.

Author Biography: Sally Warner is the author of many highly acclaimed novels for young people, including Sort of Forever and This Isn't About the Money. She lives in Altadena, California.

Genres: Fantasy, Historical Fiction, Young Adult, Historical, Childrens, Young Adult Fantasy, Middle Grade

223 pages, Hardcover

First published June 1, 2006

About the author

Sally Warner is a writer of fiction for children and young adults and of books on creativity. She made the Lily series and Emma series for children's books. Sally Warner was born in New York City and grew up in Connecticut and California, where her family moved when she was eight years old.

Reviews

[Allison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eleni is a Twilight Child- She was born at twilight on Midsummer, and can therefore see the in-between myth creatures that no one else can. In Finland, she can see and hear the shy Tontuu of the sauna, and when a terrible trip takes her away from her beloved childhood friend Matias,to the Isle of Mull, she learns an all new set of native critters- the brounie, the selkie, the blue men of the Minch passage.

A book about the similarities between the political unrest of Scotland and England, Finnland and Sweden. Also about the idea of Home, where it resides, and how magic isn't quite as far away as it feels, even if you've left it behind.

Loved this book! Especially loved the author's voice. Her wee beasties read very similar to some of Tamora Pierce's, and her humor is evident.

[Haley The Caffeinated Reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5 rtc

[Cindy Mitchell *Kiss the Book* · Rating 5 out of 5]

Warner, Sally Twilight Child Pages: 211 pgs. Penguin -

Eleni is a girl from Finland who was born at twilight, and given a special gift to see and talk to creatures normal humans can't. Leaving Finland Eleni makes knew friends, goes through many hardships, and learns more about her gift.

I had a lot of fun reading Twilight Child, and would gladly recommend it to anyone who asks for a good book to read. It educates the reader- including me- with some finnish words slipped in here and there, as well as provides non-stop entertainment. I really enjoyed it!

MS, HS – ESSENTIAL Student Reviewer: JH
http://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2007/...

[Chels · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had some neat historical elements--got most of her research from doing Art in Finland and Scotland. Not gripping, but entertaining.

[Readersaurus · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although Eleni was born at a magical time of day in a magical part of the year & can see tonttu and brounies, this is almost tangential to the main story of Twilight child. Although the jacket flap and the reviews veer towards fantasy and folklore, I would recommend this to readers of historical romance and, especially, to those who are fond of Anne of Green Gables.

It loses a few stars because the story is choppy and sudden in places. Things sometimes happen without any lead-in and without much resolution. In at least one instance, though, this is a plus -- For displaced people who do not read or write, goodbye is goodbye forever.

This is a story of loss and finding your personal strength, integrity, and your inner 'home.' It's also fascinating, because it ties together the histories of Finland, Sweden, Russia, Scotland, and England in an easy way I have not before seen in a children's book. I had not known that the Finns were subjugated in the wars between Sweden and Russia, and I was glad to be reading this tiny slice of what life was like for residents of a bustling town in coastal Scotland post Culloden and pre-Clearances. The history is pretty painless and the details, for those who want them (like me!) are in an author's note in the back.

[River Frey Wood · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very nice story about a child born during twilight.
Born with the power to see other Beings aka Fay Beings.

This is a story of a girl, who went from having nothing to having everything even her child hood lover as a husband.

But the road this had to take was hard and by accident, for every steo that she took wasn't her choice but by another person in the back ground willing her to walk on in that path. She had to really fight for the things she held so close to her for her to keep them.

So in all a awesome story.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book. It caught my attention right away and was extremely different than anything I've ever read before. I liked that. It was interesting. It was kind of sad, actually. This book had a lot of major to moderate tragedy and that stuck fresh in my mind. It had sort of a bitter sweet ending, I suppose. Happy that they were together, but sad because they left Aros, Iona, and Mrs. Dundundun!! And Dr. MacReady.
-J

[Abigail · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very sad at times, but haunting and beautiful. Yes, she Does have a happy ending despite all the death and destruction in this book. I read this one fast to find out what happened to all the characters. It is a dark fairy tale with elements of Norse and Irish mythology. A good teen read, but too dark for younger kids with all the death and tragedy.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an enjoyable read! This author does a wonderful job in merging two seemingly different cultures (Scottish and Finnish) into one refreshing story. Her characters are interesting and beautiful. This book is very unique and I would recommend it for a relaxing, enjoyable read.

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is okay. It isnt the best book but it kept my attention.

[Karla · Rating 4 out of 5]

This reminded me a bit of Juliet Marillier's books. It was beautifully written with a bit of the supernatural. Loved it!

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was very good and i liked it alot. the being born at midnight thing was very nice touch. I didnt expect it to end so abruptly. I was like "What?" at least she got to be with her soul mate

[Hailey]

This book is amazing! I finished it in under 24 hours, and wanted to read it every second of the day! Kudos to this author for being able to write such an awesome book!

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite books of all time. A masterpiece that stays in my mind and heart. Twilight child left me dreaming.

[Ruth Bonetti · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sally Warner has captured the Finnish mythology and idiom in a readable y/a book. This is the fist of her books I have read but I did enjoy it.

[Maximina Rios]

great book. she has to leave so many things behind and make so many changes yet she is still strong through them. She also has to take action in some situations. She is a brave girl.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Took a little bit to get going, but it all comes together for a very sweet story. I liked it.