Goblin Secrets / William Alexander / 223 pages

Goblin Secrets is the 2013 National Book Award for Young People's Literature.  Imagine not having a name because your mother died before she could name you so you are simply called Rownie because your older brother's name is Rowan.  In this dystopian story, a young boy (age 10 or maybe 8 he doesn't know for sure) is drawn to the stage.  Unfortunately in Zombay the wearing of masks and acting is illegal except for Goblins.  He escapes the clutches of Graba (a witch with chicken-like legs) and finds a home with a troupe of Goblins and discovers the power of theatre.  The book is very dark (attacking pigeons and coal made out of human hearts) and not totally my cup of tea.  I'm not sure who the audience really is.  Never fear, book two is coming out soon.