Book Review-STORK

STORK
By Wendy Delsol
Candlewick Press
2010
Pages: 357

From Inside Cover:
Moving from L.A. to nowhere Minnesota, sixteen-year-old Katla Leblanc expected the local fashion scene to be frozen in time. What she didn't expect was induction into the Icelandic Stork Society, an ancient order of women charged with unique mystical duty. Not only is Katla the youngest member, but Hulda, the society's omen-guided leader immediately bestows the coveted Second Chair on her-a decision that ruffles a few feathers.
As if that weren't enough, Katla also has to deal with her parents' divorce and the social aftermath of a bad date with popular but creepy Wade. Katla, however, isn't one to sit on her designer-jean-clad behind, and soon she's assigned the fashion column for the school paper and making new friends.
Things would be looking up if it weren't for editor in chief Jack. Even though they argue every time they meet, Katla is inexplicably drawn to him. Juggling home life, school, and Stork duties will Katla be able to unravel the mystery surrounding Jack? More importantly, will she find a dress in time for Homecoming?
My thoughts:
What might have been a typical new girl moves to town and feels like an outsider story turns out to be anything but. Author Wendy Delsol weaves an engaging tale of magic, mystery and romance.
Katla's honesty and sense of humor make her immediately likable and her strong character traits carry her through the story. Instead of sitting in a heap of "poor me" she tries to make the best of a hard situation. Moving to a new town, making new friends, and trying to be supportive to her mom who is divorcing her dad.
When it is revealed that Katla's destiny includes membership to the Icelandic Stork Society with a bunch of older strange women, Katla, once again steps up with humor intact.
I loved that Katla was so strong through out the story-she is thrown into many new and unfamilar things but makes the best of it. She never becomes a blubbering, crying, "why me" mess.
I thought that Stork was a good, solid read. A interesting, fresh plot that includes Norse Mythology and a little Hans Christan Anderson. I was excited to see that the sequel Frost will be released October 11th. I can't wait! I'm hoping there will be some more information and history on the Icelandic Stork Society. And I can't wait to see if Katla's role in the society will develop, not to mention the other things she has going on in her life.
A big thank you to Candlewick Press for sending me this book to read and review. I'll be donating this book to my local Salmon Middle School Library.