Sword in the Stacks

Gr 4–6—After being temporarily barred from Petrarch's Library, Dorrie and her brother Marcus are thrilled to resume their training as apprentice lybrarians. As excited as they are to rejoin their friends, and to help writers under threat throughout the ages, danger is waiting. The evil Foundation threatens to reverse the Library's successful missions, putting countless lives, and history, in jeopardy. A multitude of places, historical figures, and surprises are woven seamlessly, so that each part comes together in a satisfying, action-filled conclusion. Dorrie trusts her instincts and intellect, which get her into and out of trouble and make her a character worth rooting for. The incorporation of historical information feels organic to the narrative, so readers will absorb facts without being pulled out of the story. The dialogue, especially Marcus's, is snappy, and the plot moves without pause, making this a fun, charming read.