Rebel Mechanics by Shanna Swenson - OPTIONAL

Swendson, Shanna Rebel Mechanics, 320 p. Farrar, Straus and Giroux (Macmillan), 2015. $18.  

Language: G; Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (some fighting).

In New York City in 1888, the British still rule and magic is in the hands of only the ruling class.  Verity Newton has come to NYC in order to take a job as a teacher or governess, but hiding her secret – she also has powers, but she is not of the magister class and her powers are forbidden.  Before she even arrives, she finds herself involved with a train robbery by someone she is sure has magic – but why would the upper class need to steal?  Then she finds the Rebel Mechanics – a group of lower class who are determined to replace magic with steam and electricity.  The group woos Verity to act as a pair of eyes within the magister class. When she finds out that the Mechanics have been manipulating her, she is ready to turn her back on them, until she over hears a magister plot that frightens her.

I don’t understand why steampunk has not taken off as a genre in middle school or high school.  I have had so much fun reading everything I can get my hands on.  This is definitely for those kids who love steampunk cosplay at ComicCons.    

MS, HS – OPTIONAL.  Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS