05/01/2023
This heartening short novel from Jensen (the Three Brothers Trilogy) follows the journey of a uniquely gifted ten-year-old, Sabine, through her first year at a magical academy. All the students have magical gifts, but most are in relation to elemental magic, such as fire or water. Sabine’s, though, is shapeshifting, a skill sufficiently rare that not only is she the only student with it, but other students (and even a teacher) are threatened by it. Their fear quickly manifests as bullying, and Sabine must trust in her other teachers, her two new friends, and her loving family, especially her grandfather “Wolfie,” to help put an end to the bullying while staying true to herself.
While young readers are captivated by interesting teachers with different abilities, the daily life of living at the academy, and challenges like creating balls of magic, Jensen also weaves in valuable lessons about the best ways to handle bullying—and a reminder that it’s normal to feel hurt when faced with it. Sabine develops supportive new friends she can talk to, but also goes to several adults that make sure she feels heard, with the story reminding readers that it’s best to resolve such issues quickly, and that it’s okay to defend herself if she’s in danger. She also has a family that’s there immediately when needed and gives her healthy advice rather than making things worse or using their powerful family name to be bullies themselves.
Each chapter opens with an attention-grabbing illustration, created by Melissa Stevens, that hints engagingly at what’s to come, giving away just enough to drive readers to keep turning pages. Jensen creates a unique environment of a story that middle-grade readers will be drawn into and not want to put down, while parents and teachers will be equally thrilled about the important lessons they’re learning.
Takeaway: A perfect blend of magic-school adventure and lessons about bullying.
Comparable Titles: Dhonielle Clayton’s The Marvellers, Tamora Pierce’s Sandry’s Book.
Production grades Cover: A Design and typography: A Illustrations: A Editing: A Marketing copy: A
2023-04-03
A sparky 10-year-old tackles spellcasting school, powerful magic, and relentless bullies in Jensen’s middle-grade fantasy novel.
In the magical land of Etria, 10-year-old Sabine Wolfensberger possesses the rare but powerful gift of shape-shifting. Though she comes from a long line of powerful family members(including three brothers pursuing knighthood and an infamous grandfather ominously nicknamed The Wolf), Sabine longs to master her own magic and make a name for herself. As The Wolf escorts his granddaughter to Onaxx Academy School for Mages, Sabine reflects that her journey is just beginning—and is sure to present many challenges. She struggles to learn magic, escape her family’s looming shadow, and find her place among her classmates, both friends and foes. Cruel bullies and strict teachers threaten to break Sabine’s fiery spirit, but with the help of new friends, kind mentors, and her trusty horse, Midnight, Sabine is up for any challenge. The author expertly sets the stage with a number of tried-and-true tropes of YA fantasy novels: a magical boarding school, novice mages, trusty animal sidekicks (wolves, horses, and other cool creatures), and the like. Though Jensen’s world teems with potential, it could benefit from more development. The medieval-type setting, lovable students, varied teachers, and, most importantly, the treatment of magic create a solid foundation that leaves the reader wanting more, but the narrative is somewhat lacking in the rich detail that makes fantasy so compelling. Still, Sabine is a sympathetic protagonist who leads young readers through relatable and integral lessons, such as how to deal with bullies through self-empowerment and the help of trusted adults and treasured friends. Though more of a sketch than a finished portrait, the world of Etria is an enticing one, sure to draw young readers.
A succinct, sweet, and fantastical tale full of friendship, magic, and courage.
