Gradually-too gradually, as the author strings out hundreds of pages of Hogwarts-style pranks, classroom mishaps and competitions both academic and romantic-it becomes clear that the placement wasn’t a mistake at all. When it happens to sweet, Disney princess–like Sophie and her friend Agatha, plain of features, sour of disposition and low of self-esteem, they are both horrified to discover that they’ve been dropped not where they expect but at Evil and at Good respectively. Those who survive to graduate become major or minor characters in fairy tales. Main characters are White, and there is natural, realistic diversity in the supporting cast.Īn emotionally perceptive story of awakening compassion for self and others.Ĭhainani works an elaborate sea change akin to Gregory Maguire’s Wicked (1995), though he leaves the waters muddied.Įvery four years, two children, one regarded as particularly nice and the other particularly nasty, are snatched from the village of Gavaldon by the shadowy School Master to attend the divided titular school. The intensely awkward self-consciousness of the middle school years is presented with realistic sensitivity and insight.

This character-driven story of introspection and growth will appeal to thoughtful readers. Pippa was a keen bird-watcher, and, as Callie reads her journal, excerpts of which are interspersed, and explores the grounds and its bird life with Sid, she starts to put down roots and gain a new perspective on painful events back home.

Most excitingly, she uncovers a journal kept by one Pippa Spence when she was evacuated to the Highlands during World War II. Burning with shame, she persuades her parents to let her try home schooling and (eventually) makes friends with Sid, the prickly granddaughter of her parents’ gardener. However, while the ebullient Jax quickly settles in, Callie embarrasses herself on her first visit to the local school. Callie, who departed California ostracized by her friends, imagines the cachet of being the exotic American in her new school. Callie’s parents, who as grad students rented a cottage on the grounds and became close to the late owner, Lady Whittington-Spence, begin much-needed renovations. Seventh grader Callie her 7-year-old brother, Jax and their parents leave San Diego after inheriting a castle in the Scottish countryside.

A new life in a new country does not, at first, bring the fresh start Callie hoped for.

Across the pond joy mccullough