Alanna: The First Adventure, by Tamora Pierce

Alanna: The First Adventure, by Tamora Pierce, is a great book. The Tredbond twins are off to study their given fields. Eleven-year-old Alanna is off to learn to use her magic in a convent. Her twin brother, Thom, is off to the palace to learn to become a knight. The only problem is they want opposite things. Alanna is the one who wants to become a knight and Thom wants to learn to master his sorcery. The two deviously devise a plan to switch places. Alanna becomes Alan of Tredbond and heads off to the palace. This is her magnificent story.

Alanna is one person who proves that if a person tries hard enough, they can change the stars. She is quick to make a good number of friends and enemies. One of her most trusted friends is the heir to the throne, Prince Jonathan. Another is Myles of Olau. But the only catch is that no one knows her true identity.
When the squires are taken to the Bazhir desert on a fieldtrip, unwanted truths are revealed and a powerful enemy is made.

Tamora Pierce is my favorite author of all time. The books she writes are all down-to-earth and relatable. This book about Alanna is one that most of us can truly relate to. Her strong will and unstoppable mentality give her the strength to stand up to her enemies and protect her friends. Alanna is one person girls all around the world want to relate to. In this world, there are very few people who young girls can look up to and I believe that Alanna is one of those very gifted people.


-Reviewed by T.A., grade 10.