It introduces the four main characters and details the first two years of their coming into their powers. Once upon a small rhinoceros by Meg McKinlay illus.The Circle of Magic is the first quartet set in the Emelanese Universe.Robber Girl by Margaret Wild illustrated by Donna.The legend of rock, paper, scissors by Drew Daywal.Sir Tony Robinson's Worst Children's jobs in Histo.

Picture day perfection by Deborah Diesen illustrat.

Appleblossom the possum by Holly Goldberg Sloan.

The big question by Leen van den Berg and illustra.

The little library cookbook by Kate Young.

Ice flowers by Jutta Goetze illustrated by Patrici.

When you read First Test you will realise it is part of a series of books which intertwine. You can read more about the whole series here and also in this Wikipedia entry. She heard nothing, she did not feel hands prying her grip from the stone. The broad moat that passed in front of the wall was a long drop below. ' Kel's ears roared she could not catch her breath. One of the aspects of this book that I enjoyed is that while Kel is strong and intelligent and very disciplined she does have one weakness. The servants are on her side and so is her sponsor Nealan of Queenscove who by luck is also a healer and her horse, even though he has been badly treated previously, becomes a wonderful ally. On the positive side Kel does have friends. Kel eventually discovers this trickery but not before she has spent months doing extra arm strength exercises determined to master this huge weapon. One of the worst things is the way they tamper with her lance and fill it with lead. The boys fight her physically and mentally. On the plaster wall she saw written 'No Girls!', 'Go Home!', 'You Won't Last.' '

Someone had used her practice glaive to slash and pull down the wall hangings. her packs were opened and their contents had been tumbled out. When she turned, a gasp escaped before she locked her lips. Kel arrives and she is so excited to begin her training but the bullies have other ideas and they will not give in until she gives up. The King will not be swayed, however, and Kel is allowed to begin her training but unlike all the boys, her time is to be a trial - a probation AND Alanna, who had thought to mentor the girl, is forbidden all contact.

This girl would get any warriors who served with her killed o some dark night.' They are not as strong in their arms and shoulders as men They tire easily. ' Girls are fragile, more emotional, easier to frighten. Sitting in the room is Alanna the Lioness, the King's Champion. A letter has come from Keladry of Mindelan, a ten year old girl who is requesting to train as a knight. The story opens with a meeting between King Jonathan and Lord Wyldon the training master.

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