Each year the library puts on a Battle of the Books where middle school students form teams, read a selection of books, and then face off in a game-show-style quiz about the books.
This year I am on the faculty team, which will take on the top student team in a high-stakes match-up.
I just completed my first book: The Star of Kazan by Eva Ibbotson.
This is the story of a orphaned girl named Annika, found as an infant in a small chapel in the Austrian Alps, and adopted by the servants of three Viennese professors. She learns to love the city of Vienna, and enjoys helping out around the house and the kitchen.
As expected, she dreams of one day meeting her real mother. And one day her real mother does come for her. And that’s where the real fun begins.
I found the historical setting of the book(early 20th century Austria and Germany) to be intriguing, though the major plot developments were a bit predictable. Perhaps a more complex plot is too much to ask for from a junior high novel, so I will reserve any further criticism in that vein.
Overall the story was well-written, laced with interesting historical tidbits and quite an enjoyable read. I’d highly recommend it to any junior high student looking for a good way to pass the time.