The Fires of Calderon

Gr 4–6—Though the general premise is familiar, there are some engaging elements in this first book of a planned trilogy, as a boy discovers he has magical powers and teams up with other kids to save the world. Eleven-year-old Albert enters the magical underground realm of the Core, where young Balance Keepers use their powers to safeguard the earth. Each Keeper receives a tile that instills a particular ability, such as super-memory or speed, but Albert gets an extra special tile that allows him to use multiple powers. Brisk plotting and multiple action scenes are the strengths here, as Albert and his friends first compete against rival bullies in training sessions, then the pace accelerates as they embark on a real quest to save New York City. They face plenty of dangerous creatures and perilous situations, and seeing the kids apply their powers as well as common sense and teamwork, is fairly absorbing. Albert thinks of his new world as similar to a video game on more than one occasion, and at times the book reads that way, with characters facing one new test after another. Many of the plot constructs echo other children's fantasies, including super powered kids, a hero-training school, sneering bullies, a parent in need of rescue, and even discrimination against impure bloodlines. While some readers may wish for more depth and character development, others will find the familiar structure, coupled with some fun bits of adventure, a comfortably satisfying choice.—Steven Engelfried, Wilsonville Public Library, OR