Nevermoor by Jessica Townsend

NEVERMOOR: THE TRIALS OF MORRIGAN CROW by Jessica Townsend is a great story aimed at middle grade students.  Part of the adventure will be reading this over 600 page book!  I do think that lovers of fantasy and alternate worlds will enjoy Townsend’s novel, particularly because it features a strong female protagonist.  However, did I mention that it is long?  In some ways, this felt like The Hunger Games for a younger, less violence prone audience.  Kirkus says “Readers will feel as though Harry Potter is meeting Alice in Wonderland...”

Morrigan Crow is rejected by her family, rescued by Jupiter North (who possesses unique inventions and magical abilities) and transported to a strange city where she struggles with challenges set forth for joining the Wundrous Society.  Yes, she is special (only nine of several hundred contestants will ultimately be accepted) and she is kind (forming bonds and aiding other contestants), but she is also a bit naïve and trouble-prone. NEVERMOOR: THE TRIALS OF MORRIGAN CROW is a fun read set in an appealing fantasy world; sequels are very likely.   

This tale, filled with humor and brave exploits, received starred reviews from Publishers Weekly and School Library Journal.