CHECK IT OUT

It’s no fantasy that reading for fun is the best way to fortify a

reading habit. To encourage preteens and young adults to make it a

priority, the Newport Beach Public Library is celebrating Teen Read Week

(Sunday through Oct. 20) with the American Library Assn.’s “Make Reading

a Hobbit” theme.

For those who enjoy fantasy literature reminiscent of J.R.R. Tolkien’s

classic “Lord of the Rings” series, “Taggerung” is the newest title in

Brian Jacques’ popular “Redwall” series. Geared for readers 9 and older,

the 14th book in Jacques’ epic is a suspenseful morality tale in which

wicked vermin seek to destroy the peace-loving critters of Redwall Abbey.

Also new this year is “Parsifal’s Page,” a continuation of Gerald

Morris’ interpretation of Arthurian lore, launched with “The Squire’s

Tale.” Action, magic and heroism figure into this fourth book in the

series, aimed at fifth- through eighth-graders.

Readers at a similar level who enjoyed Tamora Pierce’s “Circle of

Magic” can follow the adventures of that quartet’s young heroines in the

new “The Circle Opens” series. In “Street Magic,” the series’ latest

title, 14-year-old reformed street-gang member Briar Moss stars in a plot

that invites exploration of social issues.

Somewhat more sophisticated readers drawn into Philip Pullman’s

imaginary universe won’t want to miss “The Amber Spyglass,” the final

title in the British author’s “His Dark Materials” trilogy. In the saga’s

conclusion, courageous young characters are enmeshed in cosmic battles

between good and evil that question the nature of religion, love,

friendship and death.

Like Pullman’s multilayered fantasies, William Nicholson’s “The Wind

Singer” can be interpreted on many levels. Best suited for readers 10 and

older, Nicholson’s first volume of his planned “The Wind on Fire” trilogy

weaves lessons about tolerance and individuality into a fast-paced

adventure about people stuck in a dreamless existence.

For adventure fans as well as animal lovers, David Clement-Davies

focuses on threatened deer herds in “Fire Bringer.” Set in 13th century

Scotland, this debut novel is a classic hero tale set in a society that

is both convincingly animal and a sharp reflection of our own.

Whether students read any of these books or others of their own

choosing for pleasure, they can win prizes for writing reviews of

favorite titles during Teen Read Week. For each review submitted to the

Newport Beach Central Library or one of the city’s branches by Oct. 20,

readers will receive one entry into a drawing for T-shirts, hats, movie

passes, fast-food coupons and a boxed set of Tolkien’s “Lord of the

Rings” trilogy. Each fifth entry also will receive a certificate for a

free cookie from Sunflour Bakery.

“Make Reading a Hobbit” review forms are available at the Central

Library and all Newport Beach Public Library branches. Completed reviews

will be posted on bulletin boards at the central and branch libraries.

* CHECK IT OUT is written by the staff of the Newport Beach Public

Library. This week’s column is by Melissa Adams, in collaboration with

Terri Wiest. All titles may be reserved from home or office computers by

accessing the catalog at https://www.newportbeachlibrary.org.