The Circle of Magic

Sandry, Tris, Daja and Briar are on their last chance.  The have all lost their families and their homes.  Niklaren Goldeye brought them together in Winding Circle Temple of Magic.  All the children feel strange about that as none of them can do what "real mages" do.  Sandry can only do wierd things with thread, and Briar has an affinity with plants, but it's not like they can levatate.  They are the most unlikely set anyone can imagine.  No way are they ever going to get along-until they need each other.  Under the gentle guidance of individual teachers they are knit together in friendship and family-the only two things that may be able to save the kingdom from ruin.

Audience
My 3rd graders could comprehend the content without difficulty.  The reading level is mid-third grade.  The dynamic is 3 girls and 1 boy, so for that reason I don't think boys are drawn to it, but nor do I think they will run if they see it.

Why I Love This Book
1) Possibly my biggest "hot button" is to have diverse characters working together.  In this book, all 4 of the main characters come from completely different backgrounds.  Sandry is a noble (when she wants to be), Tris is a Merchant (upper working class), Daja is a trader (similar to a gypsy) and Briar a street rat.  For them to see through each others eyes is quite a feat. 
2) I also love that the adults are intellingent.  Students come to harm though disobedience, and I like it when childrens stories support following wise adults.  The principle dynamics are brother/sister and teacher/student, so of course I love it. 
3) The differences of the characters keep them relatable.  I relate best to Sandry by far, but always find myself rooting for Tris.  That's why her picture is on this blog.  I think every person will have the characters speak to them in different ways.

Cautions
1) This is a book where the main characters are abnormally gifted.  If that bugs you look elsewhere for your next book
2) This author writes lots of books.  NOTHING else this author writes is appropriate for preadolecents.
3) There is a squel series to this called The Circle Opens.  It deals with the psycological componants of murder from several perspectives, and deals with characters becoming sexually active.  The series in progress (The Circle Reforged) deals with further evil people and with a main character's homosexuality.

Series-published under 2 titles
Sandry's Book (The Magic in the Weaving)
Tris's Book (The Power in the Storm)
Daja's Book (The Fire in the Forging)
Briar's Book (The Healing Vine)