Silence and Stone

Gr 3—5—A companion to the author's popular "The Unicorn's Secret" series (S & S), this first volume in a new series introduces Alida, a young faerie princess locked away in a castle belonging to Lord Dunraven, who has forbidden humans to see or speak to faeries. For 60 years, Alida has longed for her faerie family, so when a human boy named Gavin dares to ask for her help, Alida tells a lie to gain her release. Together they journey through the forest hoping to evade Lord Dunraven's guards, but when capture becomes imminent, Gavin allows himself to be caught, leaving Alida to travel on alone. It is then that she rediscovers her own faerie powers, allowing her to free her friend and begin the quest to find her family. With its magical tone, sturdy characters, and predictable yet satisfying plot, this simple fantasy will engage young readers and leave them eager to read the next book.—Teri Markson, Los Angeles Public Library