The Bearskinner: A Tale of the Brothers Grimm, Hardcover

Sequoyah Book Awards

Children's

"Schlitz narrates with clarity, grace, and sensitivity. . . . A provocative edition that should set older children thinking about the meaning of endurance and heroism." -- Horn Book (starred review)

Man or bear? When a person gives up hope, is he still human? Such is the story of a soldier who has lost everything to war: his childhood home, his family and friends, his youth, and his innocence. Enter that sly opportunist, the devil, who wraps the soldier in the armor of a dead bear's skin, fills its pockets with gold, and makes a dangerous and horrible wager. An unforgettable retelling of a classic Grimm tale, The Bearskinner is a story about the struggle between the two sides of our selves, and the heroic strength it takes to claim a victory.

Laura Amy Schlitz is the author of three other books for children: Good Masters! Sweet Ladies!; The Hero Schliemann: The Dreamer Who Dug Fortroy; and A Drowned Maiden's Hair, a Cybils Award winner. A librarian and professional storyteller, Laura Amy Schlitz lives in Maryland.

Max Grafe has illustrated several books for children, including Old Coyote by Nancy Wood, The Wee Christmas Cabin of Carn-Na-Ween by Ruth Sawyer, and Eye of the Wolf by Daniel Pennac. Max Grafe lives in New York.