The Fire Chronicle: The Books of Beginning, Book 2

Gr 4–7—In The Emerald Atlas (2011), the first book in John Stephens's series, we met Kate, Michael, and Emma who were searching for their missing parents and got caught up in a magical adventure that nearly turned deadly, tested their family bonds, and gained them the first Book. In this second title (2012, both Knopf), the children are back and older sister, Kate, is hurled backwards through time to the day when the magic and the mundane worlds separated. Her new friend is not all that he seems. In the meantime, Michael and Emma go to the South Pole and discover a strange world hidden underground. Michael rescues a princess, discovers that elves can be annoying but make useful allies, faces a dragon, and finds himself the master of the Book of Life. This enables him to perform acts of amazing mercy and magic, but at a tremendous personal cost. There is great joy, and great loss. The fantastic Jim Dale narrates the story with élan, creating not only unique voices but complete personalities for each character. He keeps things moving along at a brisk pace, immersing listeners in the narrative and bringing it all to life. Fans are sure to enjoy this fabulous production.—Teresa Bateman, Brigadoon Elementary, Federal Way, WA