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Direleafe Hall
The Heartsong of Wonder Quinn
A lonely orphan called Wonder Quinn yearns for a friend in this enchanting fairytale celebrating friendship, bravery and the importance of staying true to yourself.
Lonely orphan Wonder Quinn lives in the attic of Direleafe Hall with only a gloomy crow for company. Every year she hopes to make a true friend and every year her heart breaks when she doesn't.
But when spirited new student, Mabel Chattersham, befriends her in class, Wonder's dreams seem to be coming true. As the girls grow closer, Wonder discovers her friend has a list of strange wishes- Throw a pie, leap in the sky, break someone's heart...
What is Mabel's big secret? Can Wonder protect her heart from being broken all over again?
The Heartsong of Wonder Quinn is a enchanting tale celebrating friendship, bravery and the importance of staying yourself.
Lonely orphan Wonder Quinn lives in the attic of Direleafe Hall with only a gloomy crow for company. Every year she hopes to make a true friend and every year her heart breaks when she doesn't.
But when spirited new student, Mabel Chattersham, befriends her in class, Wonder's dreams seem to be coming true. As the girls grow closer, Wonder discovers her friend has a list of strange wishes- Throw a pie, leap in the sky, break someone's heart...
What is Mabel's big secret? Can Wonder protect her heart from being broken all over again?
The Heartsong of Wonder Quinn is a enchanting tale celebrating friendship, bravery and the importance of staying yourself.
184 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2020
3 people are currently reading
98 people want to read
About the author
Kate Gordon
30 books130 followersKate Gordon grew up in a small town by the sea in Tasmania. She is the author of numerous award-winning picture-books and novels for younger readers, including Aster’s Good, Right Things, published by Yellow Brick Books in November, 2020, which won the CBCA Book of the Year for younger readers in 2021, and was shortlisted in the Tasmanian Literary Awards in 2022. The companion novels, Xavier in the Meantime and Indigo in the Storm were published in 2021 and 2023. Whalesong was published by Yellow Brick Books in 2022, following Kate’s residency at the Maritime Museum of Tasmania. Kate continues to write novels and picture books from a cottage overlooking the river and the mountain on the Eastern Shore of Hobart. She has two daughters, an elderly cat and a very silly labradoodle.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
October 22, 2020
Every year Wonder and her constant companion, Hollowbeak the crow, watch as the students arrive at Direleafe Hall. Every year Wonder hopes that one of the girls will be her friend. Every year Wonder is heartbroken when none of them speak to her or even acknowledge her presence.
This year is different. Mabel, a new student, is also different.
But Wonder and Mabel are each holding onto a secret.
I loved this book! It was so beautiful but so sad! Although I knew from very early on where the story was going, I found myself tearing up towards the end.
There were so many passages that made me want to linger. Descriptions like this one only added to the story’s beauty and haunting feel:
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I probably wouldn’t have appreciated this book as a child as much as I do now. I’m not sure if I would have read it at all because I was a pretty sensitive kid. I can still remember all too well what being broken by Charlotte’s Web felt like and I expect this book would have elicited similar feelings, despite the sadness being wrapped in unconditional love.
I adored Rachel Tribout’s illustrations. They capture mood of the story so well and the cover image is simply gorgeous. I was fascinated by the shiny, almost metallic accents on the paperback cover.
If you’ve ever borrowed some courage by reading about girls who roar until you are able to roar for yourself … If you’ve ever been scared of being hurt (yet again) but bravely put yourself out there anyway … If you’ve ever yearned to be truly seen and appreciated for who you are … Wonder’s story will resonate with you.
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I fell in love with these young girls and their friendship. I probably never would have met them at all had it not been for my library. As soon as I finished reading I bought my own copy for the next time I want to experience their friendship. I’ll make sure to bring tissues to my reread.
Blog - https://schizanthusnerd.com
One day, one year, she would find her perfect person. The one whose soul was the perfect mirror of hers. The one who knew her, who she was, entirely, and saw that she was good. The one who saw that she was golden inside.[image error]
Not grey.
This year is different. Mabel, a new student, is also different.
‘I am infinite,’ she whispered.Wonder and Mabel become friends, despite Hollowbeak’s concerns. Together they begin to complete the list of wishes that Mabel has written, wishes that include touching a star, throwing a pie and making someone feel pure happiness.
Mabel smiled. Without opening her eyes, she nodded. ‘All of us are,’ she said. ‘But only some of us know it.’
But Wonder and Mabel are each holding onto a secret.
I loved this book! It was so beautiful but so sad! Although I knew from very early on where the story was going, I found myself tearing up towards the end.
There were so many passages that made me want to linger. Descriptions like this one only added to the story’s beauty and haunting feel:
The tree, like Hollowbeak, was a bent and twisted thing, its bark as silver as twilight and its branches as black as midnight. It was peculiar and it was old and it seemed somehow imbued with age and wisdom, and Hollowbeak felt in it a kindred spirit.
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I probably wouldn’t have appreciated this book as a child as much as I do now. I’m not sure if I would have read it at all because I was a pretty sensitive kid. I can still remember all too well what being broken by Charlotte’s Web felt like and I expect this book would have elicited similar feelings, despite the sadness being wrapped in unconditional love.
I adored Rachel Tribout’s illustrations. They capture mood of the story so well and the cover image is simply gorgeous. I was fascinated by the shiny, almost metallic accents on the paperback cover.
If you’ve ever borrowed some courage by reading about girls who roar until you are able to roar for yourself … If you’ve ever been scared of being hurt (yet again) but bravely put yourself out there anyway … If you’ve ever yearned to be truly seen and appreciated for who you are … Wonder’s story will resonate with you.
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I fell in love with these young girls and their friendship. I probably never would have met them at all had it not been for my library. As soon as I finished reading I bought my own copy for the next time I want to experience their friendship. I’ll make sure to bring tissues to my reread.
Blog - https://schizanthusnerd.com
August 4, 2021
This was so heartbreakingly beautiful! I loved it so much! Lonely orphan Wonder Quinn lives in the attic of Direleafe Hall with only a gloomy crow for company. Every year she hopes to make a true friend & every year her heart breaks when she doesn't. But when a spirited new student, Mabel Clattersham, befriends her in class, Wonder's dreams seem to be coming true. As the girls grow closer, Wonder discovers her friend has a list of strange wishes: Throw a pie, leap into the sky, break someone's heart ... What is Mabel's big secret?
This has friendship, loss, hope, strength, heartbreak, love, mystery, & magical writing. I loved the friendship between Wonder & Mabel. Wonder was so precious, she made my heart ache for her, as did Mabel. Hollowbeak was the best, & he & the girls each have my heart. This has themes of grief also, & handles it so well..& shows the importance of celebrating life, & making every moment count. The author is an amazing storyteller, & she had me gripped from the beginning, & before I knew it, I had finished the book! My only complaint is that I wish it were longer so I would have had even more time with these amazing characters. Lol Soooo good! Beautiful cover by Rachel Tribout too, with just as beautiful illustrations sprinkled throughout the book! Highly recommend!💜
This has friendship, loss, hope, strength, heartbreak, love, mystery, & magical writing. I loved the friendship between Wonder & Mabel. Wonder was so precious, she made my heart ache for her, as did Mabel. Hollowbeak was the best, & he & the girls each have my heart. This has themes of grief also, & handles it so well..& shows the importance of celebrating life, & making every moment count. The author is an amazing storyteller, & she had me gripped from the beginning, & before I knew it, I had finished the book! My only complaint is that I wish it were longer so I would have had even more time with these amazing characters. Lol Soooo good! Beautiful cover by Rachel Tribout too, with just as beautiful illustrations sprinkled throughout the book! Highly recommend!💜
October 5, 2020
Wonder Quinn is lonely. An orphan who lives at Direleafe Hall, she has only a crow to keep her company. Until Mabel arrives at Wonder’s school. Finally Wonder has a friend and together the two girls SOAR. But will it last? Mabel’s list of wishes provides a clue.
This is glorious. You should get this MG (Middle Grade) story immediately. Beautifully written, emotional and heartbreaking, this story of friendship and loss tugs at the heartstrings in the best way. Author Kate Gordon has a gift for storytelling. Her prose sweeps you away and engages all the FEELS. I read it in one sitting because I didn’t want to put it down.
If you enjoyed Neil Gaiman’s Coraline, you will LOVE this.
This is glorious. You should get this MG (Middle Grade) story immediately. Beautifully written, emotional and heartbreaking, this story of friendship and loss tugs at the heartstrings in the best way. Author Kate Gordon has a gift for storytelling. Her prose sweeps you away and engages all the FEELS. I read it in one sitting because I didn’t want to put it down.
If you enjoyed Neil Gaiman’s Coraline, you will LOVE this.
December 20, 2020
Really beautifully written. I loved being taken on a journey through Wonder's world and all the moments of magic, intrigue and friendship that entailed. The cover design is lovely too, and I'm so glad to know Kate has more books in the works featuring Direleafe Hall.
September 28, 2020
This is a lovely story about friendship. Even from reading the blurb, I had a strong feeling the Wonder was dead. And I worked out far too early that Mabel has TB and wasn't long for this world either. Although, at the end of chapter 4, I was concerned this book might be taking an even darker turn (yes, darker than ghosts and death) when the chapter ended with Mabel would not leave her. Not ever. How could a thing so perfect ever be allowed to leave?. I was worried that maybe Wonder would kill Mabel... but then I remembered this is grade school kids and that's probably taking things a bit too far... These girls have an amazing friendship and that is truly lovely.
I do have some lingering questions though. Who was Hollowbeak in life? Hollowbeak sighed, then, the way often did. He sighed for what he used to be. He sighed for what he could have been, if the fire hadn't eaten everything. What he and Wonder could have been, He used to shine so brightly, and now he was a strange, bent, twisted thing, but he loved her now as much as he always had and then at the end of the same chapter And his heart did break, then. It broke for his darling girl. Hollowbeak is a lovely bird.
I am glad that Wonder finally moved onto the next world. I have probably overthought the whole thing but overall, this is a beautiful story.
I do have some lingering questions though. Who was Hollowbeak in life? Hollowbeak sighed, then, the way often did. He sighed for what he used to be. He sighed for what he could have been, if the fire hadn't eaten everything. What he and Wonder could have been, He used to shine so brightly, and now he was a strange, bent, twisted thing, but he loved her now as much as he always had and then at the end of the same chapter And his heart did break, then. It broke for his darling girl. Hollowbeak is a lovely bird.
I am glad that Wonder finally moved onto the next world. I have probably overthought the whole thing but overall, this is a beautiful story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 3, 2020
The Heartsong of Wonder Quinn is a timeless middle-grade tale of love, loss and friendship. Told in the style of a fairytale, the story centres around Wonder, a girl alone in the world except for a gloomy crow called Hollowbeak.
More than anything, Wonder dreams of finding a friend. She is ignored by the other students at Direleafe Hall until new student, Mabel Clattersham arrives.
Wonder’s friendship with Mabel is everything friendship should be, except that it has to end. Themes of grief and loss are woven throughout the story which ultimately celebrates life.
What I most enjoyed about The Heartsong of Wonder Quinn was the lyrical prose. Mabel’s poem is composed of words which would look well on a fridge magnet or tea-towel; they’re the kind of words you want to be reminded of everyday.
The Heartsong of Wonder Quinn is a fable — a fable of wisdom, love and loss with allusions to traditional tales and mythology. It reminded me of one of my favourite books, Sonya Hartnett’s The Ghost’s Child.
This is a beautiful book which I am sure will be warmly received by readers of all ages.
My sincere thanks to UQP for a review copy.
More than anything, Wonder dreams of finding a friend. She is ignored by the other students at Direleafe Hall until new student, Mabel Clattersham arrives.
Wonder’s friendship with Mabel is everything friendship should be, except that it has to end. Themes of grief and loss are woven throughout the story which ultimately celebrates life.
What I most enjoyed about The Heartsong of Wonder Quinn was the lyrical prose. Mabel’s poem is composed of words which would look well on a fridge magnet or tea-towel; they’re the kind of words you want to be reminded of everyday.
The Heartsong of Wonder Quinn is a fable — a fable of wisdom, love and loss with allusions to traditional tales and mythology. It reminded me of one of my favourite books, Sonya Hartnett’s The Ghost’s Child.
This is a beautiful book which I am sure will be warmly received by readers of all ages.
My sincere thanks to UQP for a review copy.
September 11, 2020
This is a sweet story, if possibly a little too earnest.
I think I would have enjoyed it more if the author had not felt the need to spell the messages of the book out, rather than letting the reader understand them through the actions of Mabel and Wonder. It also made the twist at the end a little more obvious, when it could have been hidden a little better.
It was also a bit rushed - Mabel and Wonder’s friendship was so instant that it felt like the author was rushing the story towards the end and the main message, and didn’t have time to build the relationship between the two girls.
But it’s a nice tale of friendship and loss, the writing is pretty and the characters are beautifully drawn. Possibly the writing is a little too old for younger children - this is where it would have been more effective to have the messages play out in the action, rather than have the characters spelling them out constantly in their conversations - it felt very deep and serious very quickly for a book for 7-9 year olds. But a nice story all the same.
I think I would have enjoyed it more if the author had not felt the need to spell the messages of the book out, rather than letting the reader understand them through the actions of Mabel and Wonder. It also made the twist at the end a little more obvious, when it could have been hidden a little better.
It was also a bit rushed - Mabel and Wonder’s friendship was so instant that it felt like the author was rushing the story towards the end and the main message, and didn’t have time to build the relationship between the two girls.
But it’s a nice tale of friendship and loss, the writing is pretty and the characters are beautifully drawn. Possibly the writing is a little too old for younger children - this is where it would have been more effective to have the messages play out in the action, rather than have the characters spelling them out constantly in their conversations - it felt very deep and serious very quickly for a book for 7-9 year olds. But a nice story all the same.
June 19, 2020
Wonder Quinn is lonely, her only friend is a grumpy crow named Hollowbeak, she lives in an attic room at the top of Direleafe Hall, and longs to make a friend among the girls who study at the school. Every year she is disappointed, until new student Mabel befriends her.
Mabel is not like the other girls at Direleafe school, Mabel likes Wonder, Mabel has a list of wishes to accomplish, Mabel has a secret of her own.
The Heartsong of Wonder Quinn has an almost poetic style, adding to the dream-like qualities of the story and character of Wonder. Some of the vocabulary will challenge young readers but the intrigue of the story will draw them onwards.
As Wonder and Mabel tick the items off Mabel's list their friendship grows and little clues as to their true situations are woven into the tale.
This is a dreamy and fairytale feeling story. Perfect for 7-12 year olds who like a little bit of supernatural and mystery in their stories.
Mabel is not like the other girls at Direleafe school, Mabel likes Wonder, Mabel has a list of wishes to accomplish, Mabel has a secret of her own.
The Heartsong of Wonder Quinn has an almost poetic style, adding to the dream-like qualities of the story and character of Wonder. Some of the vocabulary will challenge young readers but the intrigue of the story will draw them onwards.
As Wonder and Mabel tick the items off Mabel's list their friendship grows and little clues as to their true situations are woven into the tale.
This is a dreamy and fairytale feeling story. Perfect for 7-12 year olds who like a little bit of supernatural and mystery in their stories.
May 23, 2022
Wonder Quinn lives at a school called Direleafe Hall. The orphaned girl watches the students arriving for each new school year, hoping that she will make a friend and not feel so invisible. Her only company is a crow called Hollowbeak. Wonder nearly falls off her chair at the back of the classroom when a new girl called Mabel starts talking to her. As the two become friends, Mabel shares her curious list of wishes with Wonder: Throw a pie, leap into the sky, break someone's heart… Wonder has just found her kindred spirit, but will Wonder be able to cope with Mabel's biggest secret?
This novel about friendship and being brave will give students in years 5-7 all the feels. Students who enjoy a spooky read that will also make them cry will enjoy this story. The elements of magical realism and figurative language will appeal to anyone with a good imagination. I would recommend this novel for grades 5 and up.
This novel about friendship and being brave will give students in years 5-7 all the feels. Students who enjoy a spooky read that will also make them cry will enjoy this story. The elements of magical realism and figurative language will appeal to anyone with a good imagination. I would recommend this novel for grades 5 and up.
May 19, 2021
3.5 stars
Quite honestly this was such a lovely little gem and it thrills me that quiet, soft stories such as this are still being published.
It is full of kindness, sensitivity and tender understanding, profound respect for a child's sadness and loneliness, and a soft, but big-hearted joy. The little whisper of hope this book ends on will mean everything to young readers.
A beautiful, gentle read. If I had found a book like this in my school library as a child, it would have been very cherished. I think it's a great pick for new MG readers who want to tackle something a little more serious/literary.
Quite honestly this was such a lovely little gem and it thrills me that quiet, soft stories such as this are still being published.
It is full of kindness, sensitivity and tender understanding, profound respect for a child's sadness and loneliness, and a soft, but big-hearted joy. The little whisper of hope this book ends on will mean everything to young readers.
A beautiful, gentle read. If I had found a book like this in my school library as a child, it would have been very cherished. I think it's a great pick for new MG readers who want to tackle something a little more serious/literary.
July 19, 2024
A very sweet, gently gothic kind of tale for junior/early middle grade readers. Told tenderly with a lot of heart.
Wonder and her new friend Mabel both have a secret each, and it was pretty clear to me as an adult reader what was going on, but I think it was well pitched for the target audience of ages 7+.
Nice short chapters, but told with language and concepts that don't underestimate the young reader.
A lovely story for early chapter readers who enjoy a heartfelt story with a little magic.
Wonder and her new friend Mabel both have a secret each, and it was pretty clear to me as an adult reader what was going on, but I think it was well pitched for the target audience of ages 7+.
Nice short chapters, but told with language and concepts that don't underestimate the young reader.
A lovely story for early chapter readers who enjoy a heartfelt story with a little magic.
November 9, 2022
An achingly beautiful book of loneliness and love, of longing and friendship. A talking crow and a mysterious stranger crack through Wonder Quinn's isolation. The crow offers her unwavering, albeit cranky, loyalty. What Mabel brings to the orphan girl is the possibility that she can find a friend who accepts her just as she is. Kudos to Kate Gordon for letting her imagination fly outside the boundaries of ordinary life and opening the possibility of magic.
May 28, 2023
This is such a beautifully written quiet lyrical story about a lonely girl and the new friend that ignites her heart. It’s very ethereal and almost gothic in tone, but slowly warms and becomes more open and loud as the girls become friends. It is written for a younger audience despite some emotional themes, but those girls are just so earnest in their adoration for each other and how dear their friendship is you can’t help but love them yourself.
September 24, 2020
Sweet Junior Fiction - however does evolve around death and ghosts. So not for super sensitive readers.
Has mystical Harry Potter feel - with a crow friend instead of an owl. Wonder is a character never seen by other students at school, which we later discover is because she is a ghost. A good little read
Has mystical Harry Potter feel - with a crow friend instead of an owl. Wonder is a character never seen by other students at school, which we later discover is because she is a ghost. A good little read
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 8, 2021
Gorgeous kids book, about life, death, and friendship.
May 10, 2021
Beautiful middle grade story about orphan Wonder and her desire to find a friend. When she finds Mabel, everything is perfect, until she realises Mabel's secret. Gordon deals with themes of acceptance, friendship, life and death with such innocence, reader's will find both heart-breaking and affirming at once.
Mature Year 5 up.
Mature Year 5 up.
April 5, 2021
Sweet yet sad, this is the sort of book I would have loved over and older as a child. Now, I read it with the eyes of someone much older and wiser, and maybe a little sad they can’t enjoy it as they once might have.
May 24, 2021
A beautifully quirky, mysterious story. This book looks and sounds like a middle primary novel, but the mystery element is quite spooky at times, so I’d suggest it’s more appropriate for mature middle primary students or upper primary. It would make a beautiful class read aloud.
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September 26, 2021Fabulous idea, writing, and characterisation. Loved the narrative, but structurally, the middle and ending section felt incredibly rushed. Would’ve loved twice as many chapters to stretch out this beautiful tale.
August 11, 2022
Such a sad, lyrical, beautiful story of friendship & love written for 11-12 year olds. Wonder finally finds a friend in Mabel, but all is not quite right. The character of the crow Hollowbeak is very cleverly used to foreshadow something dire. Once again, a story that is not for every child.
August 28, 2020
It's a good story, although seemed a bit rushed. Good for new readers ready to tackle something a bit more literary and/or fantastical.
September 9, 2020
A mystical tale exploring grief, love and loss. This is such a beautiful book that my broke my heart a little in the most life-affirming way. And I adored Mabel's poem.
November 11, 2020
Oh, my heart.
December 5, 2020
An atmospheric, moody, gothic read with a unique feel.
February 13, 2021
I finished this book over a month ago, still I think of it. So beautifully written, I loved every page.
April 7, 2021
Beautiful story. Just beautiful.
May 1, 2021
I knew in my heart but there was so much I didn’t know so I kept reading. Hauntingly beautiful ❤️
September 6, 2022
Just like Bridge to Terabithia did so many years ago for me, I can see Wonder Quinn having the same impact on so many more.
August 26, 2023
LC book.
Written with melody and prose, there was so much to breakdown and discuss, with some direction.
Written with melody and prose, there was so much to breakdown and discuss, with some direction.
October 4, 2023
It was beautifully morbid. It’s a heartbreaking story with an incredible ending (make sure to read the Epilogue). I read the book a few years ago and could never seem to forget it, when I suddenly stumbled upon it again in the library. This book is so emotional and extreme. I love it. Please read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews