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Reviewed by Melinda Hills for Readers' Favorite
Hope is a normal 12-year-old girl from Chicago. That is until her Aunt Etta flies in from London one night to take Hope back to England to attend the Hypatia Academy, a 2000-year-old school for sorcerers and other magical types. In this exciting story for older children by Esther Goldenberg, Hope discovers some inner strengths. With the help of a few new friends including Kornelius B. K'lepreechon, a 4-inch tall sprite, she takes on the task of saving the world from her long lost uncle - about 100 generations removed! Courage, determination, and the desire to get home to her mother keep Hope focused in spite of a bully and a not so friendly headmistress, Dr. Malarkey. In spite of never knowing about her special connection to the past, will Hope have what it takes to defeat an evil that has waited and tried repeatedly for centuries to steal the Pearl and control all the power it contains, or will her fears and homesickness prevent her from achieving success?
Hypatia Academy by Esther Goldenberg is a quick-paced story perfect for older children who love mystery and the world of sorcery. The characters are well developed and easy to relate to, along with the problems experienced by most school students. Hope is a wonderful example for the power of friendship and following one's principles in spite of the circumstances. There is plenty of action, humor and emotion to keep everyone turning pages. Great story! Right on the mark for the age group with good, real-life issues hidden behind the fictional characters. This book is a must for every 4th or 5th grade classroom.
