Winter White: A Modern Retelling of Shakespeare’s The Winter’s Tale

Gr 9 Up–In this retelling of a Shakespearean classic, Cardi (Red) uses updated language and contemporary societal issues to appeal to modern readers. Pia, who reads as white, sneaks library books from town and takes care of her little brother at home. When her father is injured, Pia takes on a new role in the family business, only to discover that the business plays a major part in the town’s grief. As she wrestles with her family’s role in the opioid crisis, Pia meets new friends from diverse backgrounds and even begins to fall in love. Pia’s life in town remains a secret she keeps from her father, and things unravel quickly when that secret is revealed. In the end, Pia’s winter tale concludes in a satisfying way. This adaptation of The Winter’s Tale is one that will keep readers turning pages. While there are a few plot holes throughout this retelling, overall it is a story that will strongly appeal to high school students. Though the narrative arc is not perfect, Cardi paints a believable and highly readable picture of a town in pain, grappling with the very real opioid crisis.