Page by Tamora Pierce

Genre: Young Adult
Sub Genre: Fantasy; Magic, Protector of the Small
Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: Summer is over and Keladry of Mindelan is back in training at the royal palace – no longer on probation, but an official page now. Three more years of instruction lie before her. She know that each year the training will be more grueling and that she will have to prove herself over and over. She will have to battle bullies – including her archenemy, Joren – and her nearly crippling fear of heights. Kel also knows that she has a circle of solid friends, from the funny Neal to the teasing Cleon, and the support of her ill-tempered gelding, Peachblossom. What Kel doesn’t know is that the years will hold many surprises. She will make new friends, draw the attention of the King, and save several lives. She will also be thrown into a situation in which she must take control – an act of courage skill, and intuition that will affect how everyone sees her and change forever the way that pages are trained.

This is the second book in the Protector of the Small series. After her first year she is finally a page. Dealing with bullies is just one of the many things that she tackles. The great thing about this story is not only is Kel a strong character but so are all the supporting ones. It’s another great adventure for this group and well worth the read. You see even more of the characters that you love from her past series set in Tortall. I love this book and can’t wait to read the next book in the series, Squire.

Publisher: Laurel LeafISBN: 0679889183
Pages: 268
Series: Protector of the Small
Volume: 2

First Test by Tamora Pierce

Genre: Young Adult
Sub Genre: Fantasy; Magic, Protector of the Small

Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: Keladry (known as Kel) is the first girl to take advantage of the decree that permits girls to train for the knighthood. The only thing that can stop her is Lord Wyldon, the training master of pages and squires. He does not think girls should be knights and puts her on probation for one year. It is a trial period that no male page has to endure and one that separates the friendly Kel even more from her fellow trainees. But Kel is not someone to underestimate. . .This is the first book in the Protector of the Small series. Kel is the first girl since Alanna to try and openly become a knight. But as she is not hiding who she is they have decided to make her go through one year of probation before letting her be a page. This is the first character that doesn’t have any magical ability. And has quite a few flaws. She is a strong character who makes some amazing friends. I liked the story. Getting to see some of my favorite characters all grown up was amazing. I can’t wait to read the next book, Page.

Publisher: Laurel LeafISBN: 0375829059
Pages: 240
Series: Protector of the Small
Volume: 1

The Giver by Lois Lowry

Genre: Young Adult

Sub Genre: Science Fiction; Utopia

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: Jonas's world is perfect. Everything is under control. There is no war or fear of pain. There are no choices. Every person is assigned a role in the community. When Jonas turns 12 he is singled out to receive special training from The Giver. The Giver alone holds the memories of the true pain and pleasure of life. Now, it is time for Jonas to receive the truth. There is no turning back.

This is a very different book, set in a Utopia society. Well at least that is what the community believes. There is one elder that holds the memories of the past. Almost like a grandfather type. It’s all about growing up. I think this is a great story for many different reasons. It opens your mind to why it may not be good to live in such a society. I got this book when I was in high school and when it had first come out. And have read it more times than I can count. I think that it should be a book you have to read at least once. The next book in this series is Gathering Blue.

Publisher: Laurel Leaf

ISBN: 0385732554

Pages: 208

Series: The Giver

Volume: 1