Moriarty, Chris and illustrated by Geyer,
Mark The Inquisitor’s Apprentice
356 pgs. Harcourt Children's Books, 2011. $12.13. (Rating: PG)
When Sacha found
out he could see witches, his life took an expected turn. He is hired as an
Inquisitor’s Apprentice, is stalked by a dark shadow, spends time with a rich
girl, and tries to stop magical crimes. Set in the early 1900’s New York City,
this is a twisted reality is filled with everyday people with magical
abilities. Mostly harmless, but it’s the dark stuff that Sacha must deal with,
and when some signs point to his own family, it’s a race to solve the mystery
on his own before his boss finds out!
There is a
problem with this book: it’s way too
complex for an upper elementary –requiring extensive knowledge of New York
City, History, and even Jewish Culture to fully appreciate the story. But on
the other hand, the main character is a very young boy, so Middle Schoolers won’t
be thrilled with Sacha's innocence. The twisted history cultural references were flat
out annoying, Thomas Edison, Roosevelt … they would be unappreciated by
students and eye-roll inducing to adult readers.
MS – OPTIONAL Reviewer:
Stephanie School Librarian & Author.
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