The Incorruptibles

Gr 5-7–Thirteen-year-old orphan Fiora’s constrained life with her uncle is meant to keep her safe in a world where malicious sorcerers rule. A resistance group called the Incorruptibles is rumored to be fighting back, but Fiora isn’t sure they’re real. Then, when she clashes with two powerful sorcerers in her realm, she is granted a temporary placement in Inc Academy, the Incorruptibles’ training school. What follows is a compelling story of friendship and rivalry, found families, and the cost of conflict as the academy discovers there is likely a saboteur in their midst. The inclusion of queer characters and the range of racial, cultural, and gender identities reflect the inclusive ethos of the academy, even as strict admission rules remain in place. Narrator Kelly skillfully voices multiple characters and captures the visceral emotions that drive Fiora, whether it’s outrage at a bully or injustice, fear, joy, or the beginning of a new (and surprising) crush. Kelly’s pacing reflects Fiora’s mindset in both slower, contemplative moments and fast-paced, high-stakes action scenes.