As the first book in a new fantasy series, this will be sure to delight fans of Alice in Wonderland and Chronicles of Narnia.

Moving to a new town is never easy. It's even more difficult when you have to deal with bullies. A trip to Deetjen's Inn changes everything for Sara. Based on real locations and real people, the story flawlessly intertwines fantasy and history.

This book is appropriate for middle grade readers and also adults who would like a history lesson about the state of California! ( )

Being so far removed from my 10 years old self I probably don't connect with Sara as much as someone from the target audience would, but I like her. She is a girl who just wants to be herself. But it's hard since being herself gets her bullied and teased. I'm glad Sara doesn't decide to fight back in a traditional way, instead she decides to try to understand the girls who are terrorizing her. Maybe there is something in their lives that makes them so mean. It is a very mature approach and watching Sara come to this decision was a pleasure. I also enjoyed the real historical stories that the clothes told. (Although I have to admit I learned more about Levi Jeans than I really needed to know.) But I felt the story of Sara's plight was put on hold to listen to the clothes tell their stories and the clothes became more of a means to tell the history instead of a part of Sara's story. I did like that at the end certain connections were made so it didn't all seem so random. But it ended too abruptly for me. I know it is meant to be a series, but I wanted some sort of conclusion or wrap up and I got none. It is an interesting concept, and it will probably appeal to a certain young audience, but I was never intrigued enough to wonder what happens next.


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Delightful book! Hoping that there will be a next book. ( )

Great Read ( )

An amazing story about the power of believing. Sara was forced t0 move to a new city with her family. New city, new school, no friends. During winter break her mom takes her to her great-grandmother's for a visit. Along the way they stop at at an Inn to rest up for the night. But this was no ordinary Inn... or was it. It all depends on if you believe. Packed with interesting facts from the past that still impact the world we live in today. ( )