Amberly Media Center

Here’s another addition to the “what to read next” list. The first book in Angie Sage’s Septimus Heap series is called Magyk and readers shouldn’t worry that the title character appears to be dead right from the start. Many of the characters are not exactly who they seem to be in the beginning. If your favorite parts of the Harry Potter books were Diagon Ally and life with Weasley family, you’ll love the mysterious old castle setting of this book and the off-beat character of Aunt Zelda.

The book begins with a mysterious abandoned baby who turns out to be the princess who has been rescued from an asassin sent by a dark wizard to murder both the queen and the princess. Jenna is raised by the Heap family (both poor and large like the Weasleys), but must escape to the country when another assassin comes for her and the ExtraOrdinary Wizard Marcia (a bit like Dumbledore with more fashion sense). With the help of Nikko Heap, the Heap’s Aunt Zelda (think of Mrs. Weasley with a lot more magic), and another mystery child, the soldier named Boy 412, Jenna not only escapes but finds the magical tools to fight back against the dark wizard, DomDaniel.

Curious about what 9-, 10-, 11-, and 12-year-olds like to read? Students at Amberly are sharing some of their favorite books in short blog entries.

We are piloting the use of Blogmeister a classroom blogging system created by David Warlick’s Landmark Project.

Click here to visit Amberly Book Blurbs.

The author of Ella Enchanted shares tips and thoughts from writing workshops she conducts with students. Each  chapter is a brief mini-lesson (creating characters, dialog, how to begin, showing vs. telling, using body language, humor, “method” writing, etc.) with handy writing prompts. Great for both teachers and would-be writers of all ages.