Wizard's Hall

by Jane Yolen Narrated by Words Take Wing Repertory Company

Overview

An inept wizard-in-training is the only one who can save his classmates from the terrible sorcery that threatens to devour their magical school

Acclaimed master fantasist Jane Yolen imagines an academic world of wonders where paintings speak, walls move, monsters are made real, and absolutely anything can happen-as she introduces readers to a hero as hapless as the legendary Merlin is powerful.

It was Henry's dear ma who decided to send him off to Wizard's Hall to study sorcery, despite the boy's apparent lack of magical talent. He has barely stepped through the gates of the magnificent school when he is dubbed Thornmallow ("prickly on the outside, squishy within"). Still, regardless of his penchant for turning even the simplest spell into a disaster, Thornmallow's teachers remain kind and patient, and he soon has a cadre of loyal, loving friends. But there is something that no one is telling the boy: As the 113th student to enroll in the wondrous academy, Thornmallow has an awesome and frightening duty to fulfill-and failure will mean the destruction of Wizard's Hall and everyone within its walls.

Editorial Reviews

Publishers Weekly - Publisher's Weekly

The instant Henry casually ``mentions wizardry to his dear ma,'' she packs him off to Wizard's Hall, with little more than a change of clothes and the advice that, whatever he might encounter, ``it only matters that you try.'' Once at Wizard's Hall, Henry discovers that his magical talents are at best limited, but that even so, he must fulfill an ancient prophecy and help overthrow a powerful, evil wizard. Although he wants to give up, Henry--now dubbed Thornmallow--perseveres and tries his hardest. Wizard's Hall has it all: fairy tale wonder, baffling mystery, captivating magic, edge-of-the-seat suspense, wry humor and a well-taught moral. This captivating package is neatly tied up by the marvelous bow of Yolen's ( Owl Moon ; Dove Isabeau ) masterful prose, with a few lilting verses thrown in. Ages 8-12. (May)

School Library Journal

Gr 3-6-- An experienced storyteller blends wizardry and enchantment in fluid, graceful prose. Young Thornmallow, ``prickly on the outside and squishy within,'' leaves his ``dear Ma'' and follows his smudgy nose to Wizard's Hall, where walls move, portraits talk, and clothes clean themselves. Disconcerted by the atmosphere of enchantment, Thornmallow nevertheless makes friends with his fellow apprentices; struggles with such classes as Cursing, Spelling, and Names; and ponders his destiny as the 113th student at Wizard's Hall. It is evident that he is inept and without talent, although he means well and he tries. Yet the Magisters welcome Thornmallow as their last hope to defeat the evil Master Nettle, who threatens Wizard's Hall with his terrifying Quilted Beast. While the happy ending is never in doubt, readers will share Thornmallow's surprise at the discovery of his own unique strengths. This school of wizardry is a jollier, warmer place than LeGuin's Roke Island in A Wizard of Earthsea (Parnassus, 1968) and less competitive than McCaffrey's Harper's Hall in Dragonsinger (Atheneum, 1977). Drawing familiar ingredients from the cauldron of story, Yolen serves up a light, palatable brew that will satisfy younger readers with a taste for entertaining fantasy. --Margaret A. Chang, Buxton School, Williamstown, MA

From the Publisher

"Wizard’s Hall has it all: fairy-tale wonder, baffling mystery, captivating magic, edge-of-the-seat suspense, [and] wry humor....Captivating."—Publishers Weekly
"Yolen skillfully blends the traditions of fantasy and school story....Good, imaginative fun."—Kirkus Reviews
"Blends wizardry and enchantment in fluid, graceful prose."—School Library Journal

Product Details

BN ID:	2940171904746
Publisher:	Penguin Random House
Publication date:	11/09/2010
Edition description:	Unabridged
Age Range:	10 - 13 Years

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