The Extraordinary Adventures of Alfred Kropp- Rick Yancey

This reminded me somewhat of the Alex Rider books, only with an even more unlikely hero. Alfred is orphaned and goes to live with his uncle. He is a large, unwieldy boy who does not seem to have any particular skills. This all changes when his uncle enlists his help in stealing a sword, which turns out to be the sword Excalibur. Why is it that Alfred’s power seems to grow when he wields the sword? Why are knights and thugs all after him? Who is Alfred anyway?

This is a page-turner adventure for those of you who like a little of the mystical thrown into modern day life.

You might also enjoy Endymion Spring by Matthew Skelton.

Schooled- Gordon Korman

Well-known author of the Bruno and Boots series, the Island, Dive and Everest trilogies, Korman has written a funny and yet heart-warming novel about a young man, Capricorn, who has been raised in a commune and is suddenly thrust into the real world. When Capricorn’s hippie granmother breaks her hip, Capricorn has to attend school for the first time in his life. The kids who run Claverage Middle School always choose the biggest geek to be the school president, and then proceed to make his life sheer torture. Hugh Wionkleman has the job sewn up until Cap arrives on the scene in his home-made sandals, hemp clothes and his habit of performing tai chi on the front lawn. Who could be a better president than that? Capricorn is duly elected and then is subjected to all the worst forms of cruelty and bullying. Where most students would break, Cap seems to be unfazed by them until one act goes a little too far. Prepare for some good laughs, some sad moments and the surprising ending.