Bridgman’s latest takes teens to Iceland

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This article was published 18/06/2011 (5586 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Local author Rae Bridgman intrigued young readers with her three previous fantasy novels featuring teens Wil and Sophie as they try to unravel the mystery of the serpent’s chain.

Their latest adventure, Kingdom of Trolls (Sybertooth Inc, 288 pages, $15 paperback), has the advantage of an unusual location, Iceland, as Aunt Violet wins a free trip to the land of bubbling hot springs, erupting volcanoes, strange museums and unearthly creatures.

Bridgman’s familiarity with the myths and folklore of Iceland, plus her sprinkling of advice in Latin, makes this an intriguing read for teens. When Mr. Bertram is falsely arrested for stealing a precious manuscript, Wil and Sophie pledge to discover it, and their quest takes them on a fantastic voyage to the kingdom of the trolls. Fun, fantasy and folklore: this is a recommended book for summer reading.

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William Bell is known for his historical novels for young adults, and Fanatics (Doubleday Canada, 304 pages, $15 paperback) combines the story of the 15th-century monk Girolamo Savonarola with a modern-day researcher in a novel that is half fantasy, half realism.

A sequel to Stones, Fanatics continues the story of Gareth, carpenter of fine furniture, who agrees to repair and catalogue a damaged library in return for the use of a spacious outbuilding on a remote estate. He soon discovers that there is a strange and dangerous presence in the library, one that he and his friend Raphaella must outwit if they can ever find peace on the premises.

Bell, who lives in Orillia, Ont., has won numerous awards for his young-adult books, including the Manitoba Readers’ Choice Award for Five Days of the Ghost. Scary enough to give thrills, Fanatics should also be a crowd-pleaser.

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Lac du Bonnet resident Andreas Oertel has written yet another mystery-adventure novel for pre-teens, Trouble at Impact Lake (Lobster Press, 192 pages, $11 paperback). Part of his “Archaeolojesters” series, it again features Cody, Eric and Rachel, this time trying to unravel the secret behind a plane that crashed into the lake during the Second World War and the mysterious strangers who pretend to investigate the crash but seem more interested in exploring the old flying base.

Oertel writes in a style that appeals to younger readers, with plenty of dialogue and humour. With less fantasy than his earlier books, this one manages to pit the young sleuths against dangerous diamond seekers, with predictable results. Easy reading for ages 9-12.

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Brandon author Donna Firby Gamache combines the scenery of Lake of the Woods with a tale of a young man trying to outlive his father’s notoriety in Loon Island (Lobster Press, 144 pages, $10 paperback). With lots of canoeing, hiking and boating, it should appeal to lovers of the outdoors.

Fourteen-year-old Alex O’Grady tries to escape the past when his mother insists he attend camp on an island near Kenora. But it’s not long before he discovers a link to the robbery that convicted his father.

Is his father’s story destined to colour Alex’s life forever, or will he help bring it to closure? Suitable for reluctant readers ages 10-13.

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For readers of the same age who are more interested in surprising and entertaining their friends than reading fiction, check out Mathemagic! Number Tricks by Lynda Colgan (Kids Can Press, 40 pages, $18 hardcover). With plenty of colourful illustrations by Jane Kurisu, Kingston, Ont., professor Colgan offers 10 clever mathematical magic tricks that any young person can do. Forget Sudoku; try Napier’s bones!

Winnipegger Helen Norrie is a former teacher-librarian. Her column runs on the third weekend of the month.