What a fantastic book! This was an unexpected surprise because I thought it was just going to be a book about the supernatural. What I found was a combination of World War II, supernatural, and an odd island as well as a family with real problems. Everyone feels their life is boring or typical, but when you find out you have a gift which is more like a curse, you must decide how you will fit into everyday living. Especially when it is something which no one would ever believe. I hate to tell to much if anything because this book really needs you to take a blind leap of faith, and open the cover and dive in. Utterly fascinating story which assaults the mind and really makes you think. The photographs throughout the book are a wonderful addition and they only add to the story. Please read the note in the back about where the photos came from.
 - Mrs. Daugherty

I found this book a great story of self discovery and coming of age. Will is the only ward of the kingdom who has no idea where he came from or what his last name is. When the children are old enough to be selected for their apprenticeship, Will finds that he is too small to go to Battle School even though this is all he has ever wanted. Instead he finds himself an unlikely candidate for the Ranger apprenticeship.
Will develops his skills and his body under the watchful eye of Halt. Even...moreI found this book a great story of self discovery and coming of age. Will is the only ward of the kingdom who has no idea where he came from or what his last name is. When the children are old enough to be selected for their apprenticeship, Will finds that he is too small to go to Battle School even though this is all he has ever wanted. Instead he finds himself an unlikely candidate for the Ranger apprenticeship.
Will develops his skills and his body under the watchful eye of Halt. Even most of the time he feels like an underpaid servant, Halt has reasons for everything that he does. Halt discovers that Will has a knack for the bow and arrow, more so than even Will is ever made aware. Perhaps he has found his calling in the Rangers. But Will still has much to learn about the world and friendship.
As the story progresses, the reader has the ability to follow two of the wards and see them struggle to discover themselves.
Horace was Will's tormentor before they departed for their apprenticeships. Their changing roles, as Horace moves on to Battle School and Will works on being a Ranger, will find them together once again under more extreme circumstances. Time adds maturity to both boys and a surprising twist will form an alliance between the two former enemies. Everything in this book is moving toward a higher purpose. Each detail is a planned step to the metamorphosis of the two characters and their amazing life changing episodes.
- Mrs. Daugherty

New Year/New Reads!

Book reviews from librarians and students!


 Since so many students are actively reading, we have decided to add regular book reviews of books both in and out of your local LJHS library.  We will also be asking for student volunteers to help with the reading and reviewing of these books, so don't be surprised if you see some familiar names along with the reviews!  Feel free to ask them what they thought of the book when you see them in the halls and maybe they might have a few suggested reads for your as well!