Brotherband Chronicles: The Outcasts (Book 1) by John Flanagan is the first book in a new series by the author of the Ranger's Apprentice Series. While set in the same world as Ranger's Apprentice, the Brotherband Chronicles takes place in Skandia and follows a group of boys as they train for adulthood. Hal is a boy who is being raised by a single mother after his father died in battle. Hal's father was Skandian, but his mother is Araluen, which causes a lot of problems for Hal fitting in with the other boys his age. When the time comes for all the boys in their village to group together in their brotherbands and begin training, eight boys are left out of the choosing. These eight boys become their own "misfit" brotherband, electing Hal as their leader. Each boy has a special talent which adds to the success of a group that seems doomed to fail from the start. One boy is extremely strong, but so nearsighted he can't see clearly even a meter in front of his face, one boy is an expert at mimicking any sound, one boy has mastered the art of thievery (just for fun, not because he wants what he steals), and there are even twins who are so good at deceiving people with their appearance they even fool their own mother (they also fight with one another incessantly!). Hal is the glue that holds this group together. As an expert navigator and sailor, he is the obvious choice as leader and skirl (ship captain). Using their unique skills and special bond, this misfit band of boys works hard in their attempts to defeat the other two brotherbands in the tasks issued to them. The only problem is, the other two groups are much stronger and just as determined to win... at almost any cost.
I absolutely loved this book. It was full of action, adventure, mystery and suspense! There is a twist at the end I wasn't expecting that perfectly set the stage for book two. I can't wait to find out what happens to the Herons (Hal's brotherband) in Brotherband Chronicles: The Invaders (Book 2)!
Doodlebug: A Novel in Doodles by Karen Romano Young is about Dodo (Doreen), a middle schooler who has discovered how to curb her ADD with doodling. The problem is, the teachers at her new school are not willing to accept doodling as the solution to Dodo's behavior problems. When Dodo and her family moved from L.A. to San Francisco, she was not convinced things would work out. They were temporarily staying an her father's old friend's apartment and taking care of Sven, an ornery cat who seemed as unhappy with the living arrangement as Dodo. Momo (Maureen), Dodo's sister had a pretty good outlook on the situation until she was denied a position in the school choir. Determined to show the school what a talented singer she was, Momo took matters into her own hands and hijacked the morning announcements to sing "Oh, Beautiful" and even stowed away on the choir bus without telling anyone! Despite all of the trouble with her teachers, Dodo made some really good friends who support her doodling and her efforts to help Momo earn a position on the choir. In the end, a plan is hatched and everyone works together to change the minds of the teachers at school about Momo's singing and Dodo's doodling.
This was a very cute book! The story is entirely told through Dodo's doodles. The author cleverly used specific symbols for each character for parts with dialogue. I think middle school girls will find this book particularly relatable, although anyone who has ever been misunderstood will enjoy the doodles and the compelling story!
The Fairy Ring or Elsie and Frances Fool the World by Mary Losure is the true story of Frances and Elsie, the two girls who took photos of "fairies" to prove their existence. While Frances always claimed to see fairies, in order to show the disbelieving adults, the two girls created elaborate cutouts of fairies (and other mythical creatures) to put in their photos. It was an innocent idea which they never knew would get so blown out of proportion! See, there was a movement amongst some people in the early part of the 1900s to identify and classify fairies and other creatures, just as real animals are classified by genus and species. Some adults truly believed in the existence of fairies. When these adults got hold of the girls' photos, they were convinced this was all the proof they needed to show the world! So, the girls kept their secret...
This was an amazing story! I can see how the girls got so caught up in their story that it became difficult, even impossible, to tell the truth. The book is filled with the girls' photos, as well as pictures of the girls and people trying to prove the existence of fairies. It is a short and engaging book, perfect for any curious reader!
Bestest. Ramadan. Ever. by Medeia Sharif is about Amira, a 16 year old Muslim who is trying to resist temptation and fast during her family's month-long Ramadan celebration. Unfortunately for Amira, food is not the only thing she's being tempted with! This book as friend drama, mean girl drama, boyfriend drama... even family drama! Any teen girl will identify with Amira as she struggles to make her way through high school, accomplish goals, deal with friends and boys, and please her family.
