The Lives of Christopher Chant

Another in my string of DWJ rereads this fall. This is one of the most satisfying “prequels” I can think of - it explains details given in passing in the book Charmed Life while filling them out into a fully satisfying story that can be read on its own. Christopher's character arc is convincing; it's a story of overcoming a neglectful and traumatic upbringing, yet this somber subject is handled with the humor, compassion, and insight that subtly teach young readers without preaching. My only complaint is that it ends too abruptly, but that's not uncommon with Ms. Jones. Maybe it's just that I wish her books would never end.