Matchless: A Christmas Story by Gregory Maguire

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Matchless: A Christmas Story
by Gregory Maguire
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/11735060

I snagged this from a box heading to a festival because I bought a copy from the dollar store a while back and can't find it, but I've wanted to read it. It's a quick read, so it'll be available for the festival too!

This is a story Gregory Maguire created based on the Hans Christian Anderson classic "The Little Match Girl" which is one of the saddest stories I've ever read. National Public Radio asks authors to create a story with a Christmas theme, and so this was the result in 2008 and then it became this book with illustrations as well.

He brings in a new character, a little boy named Frederick, to parallel the story of the little girl. It's an interesting story, as we see how the two characters' tales overlap. He has a difficult lot in life as well, but he is caring and creative and allows the story to end with hope and beauty while still honoring the simple joys in life.