Goblin Market

By: Jamie Steinberg

Family is bonded by blood, but they aren’t always similar to one another. Lizzie and Minka are sisters who deeply love one another but are nothing alike. Minka is warm and friendly while Lizzie is reserved and sensitive. When Minka finds herself enchanted by a handsome boy from the market, Lizzie is concerned that means the end of their bond. However, it could actually mean the end of one of their lives. Goblin Market is the perfect Halloween read as it mixes love and folklore with the right amount of fright.

Minka is tasked with selling the family vegetables and bread at the market since she is outgoing and personable while Lizzie hangs back as she is shy. One day at the market Minka meets a handsome boy who wows her with the fruit he has brought. In fact, she finds herself fascinated by his good looks and charm. Lizzie is hesitant about this love connection as it seems so quick and a bit mysterious. With her sister’s safety in mind, Lizzie enlists the help of Jakob and his brother Stefan to learn more about this market man. What they discover is that Lizzie has been drawn in by a Polish goblin called a “zduszes.” When Minka becomes ill and haunted by this creature, Lizzie will go to any lengths to save her sister.

Author Diane Zahler does a wonderful job at building the bond between Lizzie and Minka. These two may not be the same age, but they sleep in the same room and only have one another to lean on. They are each other’s “ride or die” – literally. Lizzie’s love knows no boundaries and it could wind up, in fact, costing them both of their lives. Our determined heroine is even willing to head into the woods with Jakob to put an end to this goblin and get her sister back. Also, this book is a beautiful reminder that it is okay to lean on our friends when our backs are against the wall – it’s what they are there for!

Goblin Market is a deep and dark read, but one that young adults won’t fear. It is just the right amount of fright and perfect timing for a Halloween read in front of a warm fire. If you share a bond with a sibling or have a friend you’d go to the ends of the earth for, take a moment to turn the pages of this fantasy-horror adventure.