Savvy
by Ingrid Law
For: Ages 8-12
Genre: Fantasy
Published: 2008
Description: Thirteen is when a Beaumont’s savvy hits—and with one brother who causes hurricanes and another who creates electricity, Mibs Beaumont is eager to see what she gets. But just before the big day, Poppa is in a terrible accident. And now all Mibs wants is a savvy that will save him. In fact, Mibs is so sure she’ll get a powerful savvy that she sneaks a ride to the hospital on a rickety bus with her sibling and the preacher’s kids in tow. After this extraordinary adventure—full of talking tattoos and a kidnapping—not a soul on board will ever be the same.
Why I Liked It: You know, I love fantasies, but most of them are seeped in European history. But this was a true stars and stripes fantasy. It's wild and wacky but heartfelt...and completely American. Ingrid does a great job with subtle humor, too, so this book is one part adventure, one part fantasy, one part humorous, but with meat on it. It deserved the Newbery Honor it received, in my opinion.
Scumble
by Ingrid Law
For: Ages 8-12
Genre: Fantasy
Published: 2010
Description: It's nine years after Savvy, and Mibs' cousin Ledge is on the verge of turning thirteen. More than anything, he wants the power to run like the wind. But when his birthday comes, he discovers that his savvy is actually making things fall apart. It starts out with small things, but then it gets worse. To top it all off, someone outside the family has witnessed his destruction. Now, in addition to trying to figure out how to control - or scumble - his savvy, he's got to worry about how to protect the family secrets. Over the course of one amazing summer, Ledge learns a lot about himself and his family, makes a new - and very unlikely - friend, and learns to appreciate his newfound skills.
Why I Liked it: This was just as good as the first (maybe better). I enjoyed seeing glimpses of the characters from the first book, but I adored the new characters who take center stage. Again, this was wild and entertaining but had substance as well. I found the savvies particularly clever, but I mostly enjoyed that the troubles Ledge finds himself in with his own savvy are more...er, destructive. Perfect for the boy readers out there.
Do you know of any other fantasies like these? I've been searching, but to no avail. If you know of some, please share in the comments below.
And Happy Friday Reading!