The False Prince by Jennifer A. Nielsen

The Benefits of Being an Octopus by Ann Braden

It is a rare book indeed that ever gets a perfect score from me, but The Benefits of Being an Octopus by Ann Braden deserves nothing less than top marks. It’s heart wrenching, believable, thought provoking and brutally honest. I absolutely love Zoey and at multiple points in the story wanted to applaud her courage and resilience and how she absolutely became her own hero. I could not put this book down and you won’t be able to either. Get yourself a copy asap; you can thank me later.

The False Prince by Jennifer A. Nielsen

8/10/2012

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Sage is one of four orphans purchased from orphanages by Bevin Conner, a regent with plans to produce a false prince to impersonate Prince Jaron, who perished during a pirate attack four years ago, but whose body was never found. Conner leaves the boys very little choice about acquiescing to his plan, and thus begins their two week training in how to impersonate nobility.
This book reminded me of "The Thief" by Megan Whalen Turner, and would be enjoyed by middle school students who are decent readers and enjoy books set in medieval times.

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Author

Middle School former Teacher Librarian - now MYP math and science. Update... VERY recently retired! Still adjusting that I'm not just on summer vacation!!!
I believe there is no such thing as a non-reader; just people who haven't discovered what they want to read.

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The Benefits of Being an Octopus by Ann Braden