ELLINWOOD — There are new books at the Ellinwood School/Community Library. They are:
“Brotherband Chronicles: The Outcasts” by John Flanagan. Hal is an outcast, the son of a Skandian warrior and an Araluen slave. And in a country that values physical strength over intellect, Hal’s ingenuity only serves to set him apart from the other boys. But Hal does have Brotherband training, and he soon learns that there are other outcasts, and that his battle for acceptance has just begun. Another new Brotherband series title is The Invaders, where the story continues.
“Princess Academy: Palace of Stone” by Shannon Hale. When Miri travels from the princess academy to the capital to help the princess-to-be get ready for her wedding, she has no idea what to expect. But not everything is as perfect as Miri hopes, and as she learns more about her new home, she finds herself deep in the middle of an upheaval that affects everyone she loves.
“The Encyclopedia of Me” by Karen Rivers. A thirteen-year-old girl records her trials and triumphs, encyclopedia style, chronicling her family, her best friends, and yes, boys. She wrote it in her spare time during the weirdest, most wonderful summer of her life.
“Ungifted” by Gordon Korman. When a troublemaker pulls a major prank at his middle school, he things he’s finally gone too far. But thanks to a mix-up by one of the administrators, instead of getting in trouble, Donovan is sent to a special program for gifted and talented students. He soon discovers it’s a special hideout for someone like him.
“The Curiosities” by Maggie Stiefvater, Tessa Gratton and Brenna Yovanoff. This volume of short stories by three acclaimed practitioners of paranormal fiction is packed with curiosities, and the stories include each author’s comments, critiques, and kudos in the margins. Think of it as a guided tour of the creative processes of these award winning authors.
“The Tomorrow Girls Series” by Eva Gray, titles are “Behind the Gates,” “Run for Cover,” “With the Enemy” and “Set Me Free.” In a terrifying new world, four girls must depend on one another if they want to survive. Disaster and destruction are all they have ever known. But now they are the lucky ones, sent to a special boarding school, far from the tragedies of home. It’s for their own safety, after all... Or is it? The story grows as the girls realize the danger, and run for survival. Will they ever make it back to their families and freedom?
Sharon Sturgis is the librarian at the Ellinwood School/Community Library.