Breadcrumbs

The intersection of reality and fantasy defines the protagonist’s coming-of-age arc. As the story opens, Anne Ursu establishes Hazel’s personal identity as shaped by the fantasy novels she loves. Over the course of the novel, Hazel’s arc sees her learning the importance and value of embracing reality. At first, Hazel prefers fantasy to reality and is deeply reluctant to grow up because of her perception that having an imagination and a unique identity is antithetical to maturity: “Being grown up mean[s] […] sacrificing your imagination for rules” (62). At times, this focus on fantasy causes problems for Hazel by distracting her from her responsibilities at school and home. However, Hazel’s imagination also has beneficial effects on her life, particularly the way it allows her to bond with creative friends like Jack, Adelaide, and Uncle Martin. After Jack’s disappearance, Hazel’s conviction that reality and fantasy intersect and that people can cross over from one side to the other takes on great importance. Her creativity and imagination motivate Tyler to confide in her about the white witch, saying, “‘[Y]ou’re the only one who’ll believe me. I mean’—he shrugged—’you know how you are’” (145). His wording emphasizes the connection between Hazel’s identity and fantasy, a link that perfect positions her to become Jack’s rescuer.