George MacDonald 
At the Back of the North Wind 

A classic children’s story written in England in 1871, this enchanting fairy tale follows a sweet little stable boy in Victorian London who goes on adventures with the majestic North Wind. She is personified as a lovely and mysterious woman, both severe and kind, who teaches young Diamond about herself on their journeys. The innocent, perceptive Diamond is caught up by this powerful entity, and he acts as the perfect character for Mac Donald to acknowledge social injustice, explore the place of death in the lives of human beings, and realize the deep need we have for love and forgiveness. Mac Donald poignantly addresses questions and fears that all humankind must face in this insightful landmark in children’s literature. Ultimately he uncovers the core of our deepest needs and their origin in eternity.