Children's Review: The Order of the Owls

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The Order of the Owls is the first in a series featuring a feisty and fearless girl named Minerva Mint. As a baby, Minerva was found abandoned in a train station, bundled into a travel bag with a volume of The Universal Encyclopedia. Also in the bag was an envelope with the deed to Lizard Manor, a crumbling estate that's rumored to be haunted but really is filled with an array of eccentric creatures, such as the band of foxes that reside in one of the five lounge rooms. Minerva is taken in by kindly Mrs. Flopps, and together they live in the manor while Minerva waits for her parents to come claim her. In this first adventure, Minerva makes friends with Ravi and Thomasina, two children who live in the nearby town. What I most liked about the book were the characters: Minerva is seemingly undaunted by her distressing past and eager for an adventure while Ravi finds his new friends' antics to be a distraction from his homesickness for India. Thomasina is the rich girl living in a house that is the stark opposite of Lizard manor. Despite Thomasina's background, her character is surprisingly not snobby and unaffected by the difference between her lifestyle and those of her two new friends. I liked that she was a departure from the classic formula for the "mean girl" in this tale. The plot itself is driven by Minerva's desire to find her parents, but the mystery of Minerva's past is made even more threatening when a couple tries to claim her as their own in order to get their hands on the deed to the manor. Though the adventure is not particularly fast-paced, I read the book in just a couple hours and find myself looking forward to the next in the series. I was expecting some elements of magic or fantasy to be involved, but the book is rather comforting in its ordinary setting and realism and reads like a remix of Pippi Longstocking and Annie.  I would recommend it for readers in 2nd to 4th grade and to those who prefer their characters to be smart, outspoken, and up for anything.

Recommended for ages 7-10 years (grades 2-4).

Bottom Line Rating: 4/5

Title: The Order of the Owls (Minerva Mint #1)

Author: Elisa Puricelli Guerra

Publisher: Capstone Young Readers, 2014

ISBN: 978-1-62370-038-6

Length: 154 pages 

Format: Hardcover

Price: $9.95 on Amazon

Source: Public Library

Currently Coveting {June}

Summer reading season is finally here!

I love seeing how much more people invest in their bookshelves during the summer months. I wish that I could say that this is going to be the summer for me to laze around and finish all of the books on my list, but I doubt that will be my reality. My schedule is positively packed this summer, which is leaving me more determined than ever to keep reading as part of my everyday routine. I've been piling up the books for my own summer reading list, and though most of them come from my own shelves, I found a few new ones that I wanted to share with you this month! I have a sneaking suspicion that all of these will be making their way onto my library list. 

Deadweather and Sunrise (The Chronicles of Egg #1) by Geoff Rodkey // Why not start off with a book from my favorite niche of children's lit? I love fantastical middle-grade novels, and this one promises to be full of adventure, magic, mystery, and fearless friendships. 

The Master Magician by Charlie N. Holberg // Obsession alert! Remember when I read the first in this series and absolutely couldn't get over it? I loved the second one just as much, and I pre-ordered this third installment last year. I am beyond excited that it's coming out tomorrow (!!!!), just in time for my weekend trip to see my bestie-- I have a feeling it will make the perfect travel read!

Book Scavenger by Jennifer Chambliss Bertman // A brand-new middle grade book (publication is set for tomorrow), and the plot reminds me of my favorite series. I love when a puzzle is involved-- I think twisted plots and crazy-smart characters make for great discussions with middle grade readers!

Pirate Hunters: Treasure, Obsession, and the Search for a Legendary Pirate Ship by Robert Kurson //  For non-fiction and adventure-lovers alike! This is the story of two men willing to risk everything in their search for the lost ship of the pirate Joseph Bannister. I love treasure-hunting movies so this was an obvious pick for me. I can hardly wait until its publication on the 16th!

Check back next week for part one of my summer reading list, and share your picks for June below!

Happy Reading!

-Madeleine-