By Piranha T.

Nathaniel is apprenticed to one of the magicians who forms part of London’s government. Although he isn’t entirely content, he’s happy enough to stay that way. But things change when one of the most skilled magicians in London, Simon Lovelace, humiliates him. Keen on revenge, Nathaniel learns spells necessary to get him back—and summons a five-thousand-year-old djinn called Bartimaeus.

Bartimaeus isn’t particularly pleased at being summoned by an eleven-year-old boy, but he’s forced to do Nathaniel’s bidding. He’s sent to steal one of Simon Lovelace’s most prized possessions—the Amulet of Samarkand, which authorities have been searching for for years. Nathaniel’s plan is to use it to show the public what Lovelace is really like—but instead, it pulls him and Bartimaeus into a tangle of complex politics, the rebellion known as the Resistance, and the plans of Lovelace—which may be much more ominous than either of them realize.
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The Amulet of Samarkand was an engrossing read, with lots of complicated plot twists so it read like a mystery. Although it alternates between Bartimaeus and Nathaniel, it isn’t confusing. Nathaniel’s narration has more of an upper-class tone, while Bartimaeus has five thousand years of experience and an extremely snarky narrative, which makes the book even better—and much more amusing. I would highly recommend The Amulet of Samarkand to readers ages ten and up, but older readers would enjoy it as well!

By Super Kitty

Nine-year-old Cassie Logan knows the world isn’t fair. Like how she and her brothers have to walk miles to their school every day, rain or shine, while the children of white plantation owners get to ride the bus. Or how storeowners serve every white customer in the store before asking her what she wants to buy. No one seems to see her past the color of her skin. It’s not right, but in 1933, Mississippi doesn’t show any signs of changing.

Her family has something, though, which keeps them from losing hope. The land. For generations it’s given the Logans a source of income and pride that keeps them from being forced into sharecropping. But it can’t protect them from everything, and it draws the attention of people, powerful people, who would do anything to get their way.

The world isn’t fair, and everyone knows it. To accept the way things are is to be considered inferior, to be mistreated and abused. But change comes at a price, and to rebel is to put at risk everything close to your heart.
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Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry won the Newbery Medal, and it’s one of those books which completely deserves it. The author creates a setting and cast which truly seem real, and doesn’t shy away from the deplorable things which happened during that period in history. Cassie’s narration is strong and believable, and her family and friends are all stunningly human. The effects of racism and intolerance are far-reaching, and the story makes clear just how horrific they can be. I would highly recommend this powerful, unflinchingly honest book to readers ages 11 and up.

By Piranha T.

Rose is the youngest of eight children, subject of many of her mother’s superstitions. Despite what her family would prefer, she has always loved to explore. She has always dreamed of a white bear who would explore the northern regions of the world with her.

But when such a bear comes, he has a different request. In exchange for her family’s well-being, Rose must come with him and leave the world she has always known. When she goes with him, Rose discovers a world of ice and snow, where magic is real—and enchantments can bind a life. The bear has secrets of his own, and Rose’s choices will decide his fate.

East is a retelling of the classic fairytale East of the Sun, West of the Moon. Unlike many other books like this, Edith Pattou doesn’t completely change the classic tale. Instead, she adds to it, weaving the story’s threads in unexpected directions while still holding to the normal course of the story. Yet at the same time, it’s much more multilayered, with all the characters seeming real. Rose is an exceptional heroine who I could completely relate to. Many of the things which might seem rash or odd in the original fairytale are explained fully, and though a part of me knew a few things weren’t great decisions, I could understand why Rose did them.
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This book is set in Norway, with many of the names Norwegian, but it wasn’t confusing to me. Likewise, although there are several different narrations in this book, it didn’t feel awkward or confusing. This is an excellent fantasy novel which I would recommend for ages twelve and up.

By Contributing Reviewer FalconX, Age 11

Orïsha was a kingdom that hummed with magic. Different people possessed different powers and talents that commanded the elements. That all changed. Zélie Adebola's mother was a maji. This meant that Zélie's mother was magical; and she could summon souls. Under a ruthless king's order, all maji were killed and hung from trees to display to the world the true death of magic. Zélie's mother was among them. No matter what Zélie does, her mother will never return. Then, Zélie's powers begin to manifest. She must keep it a secret. The princess, the daughter of the king responsible of the murder of magic, embarks on a quest with Zélie. Zélie's brother Tzain, the princess, and Zélie set out on a quest to bring magic back. However, the crown prince (the princess's brother) is onto them, and catching up. He has one goal: kill Zélie and kill magic. Zélie is in more danger than she thinks. The crown prince is capable of hunting them down and killing them quickly, but not with Zélie's powers. Tzain tries to protect the princess and Zélie, but they are no match for an army of trained soldiers. Even with Zélie's newly manifested powers. But perhaps the most challenging thing for Zélie is suppressing her growing feelings for the supposed enemy. Will they succeed in bringing magic back to Orisha and returning it to what it was always meant to be? Or will they fail and magic will be lost forever?

This book was so intriguing, good, and cleverly written. I picked it up and could not put it down. Tomi Adeyemi weaves a vibrant and imaginative world. Join Zélie and her companions on a quest to bring the true Orïsha back. I love the plot twist at the end. It is not at all what you expect. The story is rich and full of interesting side plots and different perspectives. By the time I'd gotten the book in my hands, it had been recommended to me by at least eight different people. I love how Tomi Adeyemi makes you feel like you are standing next to the characters, that you are fighting and celebrating and mourning right along with them. This is the first book in a trilogy that the second and third book has not yet come out. I would recommend this book to grades 6-9 because there are very violent parts.