BOOK CLUB Brain Play GALLANT

AUTHOR: V.E. Schwab

GENRE: Young Adult Fantasy

AGES: 10+

RATING: AAAAA

SYNOPSIS: Everything casts a shadow. Even the world we live in. And as with every shadow, there is a place where it must touch. A seam, where the shadow meets its source.

Olivia Prior has grown up in Merilance School for girls, and all she has of her past is her mother’s journal—which seems to unravel into madness. Then, a letter invites Olivia to come home—to Gallant. Yet when Olivia arrives, no one is expecting her. But Olivia is not about to leave the first place that feels like home, it doesn’t matter if her cousin Matthew is hostile or if she sees half-formed ghouls haunting the hallways.

Olivia knows that Gallant is hiding secrets, and she is determined to uncover them. When she crosses a ruined wall at just the right moment, Olivia finds herself in a place that is Gallant—but not. The manor is crumbling, the ghouls are solid, and a mysterious figure rules over all. Now Olivia sees what has unraveled generations of her family, and where her father may have come from.

Olivia has always wanted to belong somewhere, but will she take her place as a Prior, protecting our world against the Master of the House? Or will she take her place beside him?

MY FAVORITE QUOTE FROM THIS BOOK: “Free–a small word for such a magnificent thing. I don't know what it feels like, but I want to find out.”

MY FAVORITE THING ABOUT THIS BOOK IS: The writing style! V.E. Schwab has a way of making even regular activities feels like there is a little bit of magic in them. I felt fully immersed in the world of the entire book and could not put it down!

MY FAVORITE CHARACTER IN THIS BOOK IS: Olivia! She is a very relatable character in that she longs for a world with magic. I loved how she became more comfortable being herself throughout the story.

FANS OF THIS BOOK MAY ALSO LIKE: “Only A Monster” by Vanessa Len, “Babel” by R.F. Kuang, and “A Deadly Education” by Naomi Novik

Three More Books To Try

GRUMPY MONKEY

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AGES: 5 - 10

SYNOPSIS: Jim the chimpanzee is in a terrible mood for no good reason. His friends can't understand it. How can he be in a bad mood when it's such a beautiful day? They have lots of suggestions for how to make him feel better. But Jim can't take all the advice...and has a bit of a meltdown. Could it be that he just needs a day to feel grumpy?

WOMEN WHO DARED: 52 STORIES OF FEARLESS DAREDEVILS, ADVENTURERS, AND REBELS

AUTHOR: Linda Skeers

AGES: 9 - 12

SYNOPSIS: Women have been doing amazing, daring, and dangerous things for years, but they're rarely mentioned in our history books as adventurers, daredevils, or rebels. This new compilation of brief biographies features women throughout history who have risked their lives for adventure―many of whom you may not know, but all of whom you'll want to know.

Life Skills For Kids

AUTHOR: Karen Harris

AGES: 8 – 11

Avery, 17, is an avid reader and book reviewer. When not reading, you can find her playing volleyball, hanging out with friends, or with one of her pets! Follow her on Instagram and TikTok at @readbyfin.

SYNOPSIS: With the help of this guide, kids can learn foundation skills such as the basics in cooking, handling emergencies, communication skills, setting goals, running appliances, and so much more! Complete with cute illustrations heading each chapter, this book is sure to help kids master necessary life skills!