What's behind that door?

Falling In by Frances O'Roark Dowell is quite different from Dowell's other books (like Dovey Coe), but enjoyable never-the-less.  Middle-schooler Isabelle Bean opens a closet door at school to follow the squeak of a mouse, and she falls into another whole world!  This world feels fairy tale-ish, with a forest, villages, and fear of a local witch.  Isabelle meets another young girl named Hen, and together they come upon Grete, an elderly woman who takes them in and teaches them about herbs and healing. Isabelle learns she's related to Grete (no, I won't tell you how), and that Grete's the suspected witch; Isabelle becomes determined to clear her name.  The first half of the book seemed slow, but there's a neat and unexpected twist half-way through.  Then the pace picks up, and the story becomes more complicated and interesting.  The ending is especially satisfying.  A great book for readers with active imaginations.