Middle Grade Book Review: The Silver Strand by Louisa Clarkson

Today I have the first book in a new series, aimed at pre-teens/teens, that will intrigue adults as well!

Synopsis:

Ever since twelve year old Isabelle Tresdon's silver strand of hair sprouted, it's been nothing but trouble: bleeding pink dust and sparking like a firecracker. Refusing to be known as the girl with the freaky, grandma hair, she wishes it never grew and the hair withers and tarnishes. 

The only problem is, the strand is Isabelle's source of magic, and she can transform particles of energy into matter. It's also her ticket into Mastermind Academy, a secret school inside

Review:

I can see where this series of Mastermind Academy could rival the Harry Potter one, as it is more girl centered! It has the same appeal, especially Isabelle, who is a strong character right from the beginning (Harry had to grow into one). Louisa did a great job in getting the mindset of a 12 year old right- it's helpful to the reader, to not be questioning as they are reading! The book is aimed at kids 9-12, but I can see kids a bit older wanting to read it as well.This is a fast read, and your kid(s) will be screaming for book 2, as soon as they finish it!

About the Author:

LJ Clarkson tells everyone she gave up her Environmental Engineering career to study a Masters Degree in Creative Writing and pursue her writing dreams. But that's not entirely true. Ten percent of the time she sleeps in. Playing spider solitaire consumes 5% (bad, bad habit). Running Indicated, a promotional site for authors steals another 18.75%. In her remaining waking hours, she writes, laughs at her own jokes, reads and falls asleep whenever her boyfriend reels off geeky computer lingo (zzzzzz). If she were a Mastermind, she'd uninvent early mornings, grammar, broccoli, cleaning and her dog's fussy eating habits. You can find out more at mastermindacademy.net or indicated.com.au