I just read The Magic Thief by Sarah Prineas, which is not only a 2009-2010 Battle of the Books (Lenihan) title, but is also by an author who lives in Iowa City.

This is a great fantasy chapter book about Conn, a thief and lock pick, who stumbles into a relationship with a powerful wizard (Nevery), then finds out he is a lot less ordinary than he once thought. If you liked Magyk by Angie Sage, I think you will like this book.

This book is a suspenseful read that will draw you in quickly, and make you very excited to read the sequel, The Magic Thief Lost. Another exciting thing is that we are working very hard with teachers to make a plan for Prineas (the author) to come to Marshalltown. Watch for more info!

Also, you should be able to pick up a Battle of the Books list soon and get a jump start on reading for the 2009-2010 school year.