When I actually began to read it, I fell even more in love.

I came to all of these conclusions just from looking at the cover of the book. What she can do, just about anyone else can do. She is not radically different from other young girls. Not only does she fight trolls, but she is yet another eleven-year-old Orthodox Jewish girl who fights trolls.

Not only is she an eleven-year-old girl in a fantasy book (and there are not nearly enough fantasy books starring eleven-year-old girls, in my opinion), but she comes from a culture that is very underrepresented in modern fantasy, whether it’s aimed at adults or younger readers. Everything about that title fits with what I believe should exist in books, especially fantasy books. Yet Another Troll-Fighting 11-Year-Old Orthodox Jewish Girl. The full title is Hereville: How Mirka Got Her Sword, but it was the little description at the top of the book that really drew me in. If someone checks out a book that looks interesting, everyone reads it. I did the same for Welcome to Night Vale and The Lunar Chronicles, and it’s a generally accepted practice by everyone. My mom has borrowed the copy of Girl Waits with Gun that I checked out last week, and I’ve been hovering over my sibling’s shoulder for Ms. Bar None.'- School Library Journal, starred review 'A terrific story, told with skill and lots of heart.'- Publishers Weekly, starred review 'Mirka is a spunky, emotionally realistic, and fun heroine.Library book swapping is almost a habit among my family. And she boldly accepts a challenge from a mysterious witch, a challenge that could bring Mirka her heart's desire: a dragon-slaying sword! All she has to do is find-and outwit-the giant troll who's got it!Ī delightful mix of fantasy, adventure, cultural traditions, and preteen commotion, Hereville will captivate middle-school readers with its exciting visuals and entertaining new heroine.Īccolades and Praise for Hereville: How Mirka Got Her Sword -Sydney Taylor Award -Eisner nomination -Harvey nomination -Ignatz nomination -Nebula nomination 'Utterly ingenious.' - Kirkus, starred review 'Withouth a doubt, the best graphic novel of 2010 for kids. She battles a very large, very menacing pig. She fearlessly stands up to local bullies. Granted, no dragons have been breathing fire around Hereville, the Orthodox Jewish community where Mirka lives, but that doesn't stop the plucky girl from honing her skills. There's only one thing she does want: to fight dragons! Spunky, strong-willed eleven-year-old Mirka Herschberg isn't interested in knitting lessons from her stepmother, or how-to-find-a-husband advice from her sister, or you-better-not warnings from her brother. This charming graphic novel is 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer' meets Isaac Bashevis Singer. The first-ever wisecracking, troll-fighting, Orthodox Jewish heroine, Mirka is a spunky, strong-willed 11-year-old girl who wants to go out and fight dragons.

Hereville how mirka got her sword