The Blue Sword, by Robin McKinley

Bibliographic Information:
McKinley, Robin. The Blue Sword. Ace Trade, reprint, 2007. ISBN-10: 0441012000

Book Awards:
Newbury Honor Award, ALA Best Book for Young Adults, and the ALA Notable Children's Book.

Plot Summary: When Harry goes to live with family friends in a remote outpost, she tries to make the best of it, but just can't seem to fit in. Trouble is brewing with the natives, and they send a diplomatic party to talk with Harry's guardian. The leader of the party kidnaps Harry, and she is suddenly thrust into a desert culture and must adapt quickly. To her surprise, she falls in love with the horses, and grows to enjoy the sword fighting and camaraderie of her new companions. A mysterious northern army is gathering, filled with things that aren't quite human. Harry must work hard and be strong to save both her new world and her old one.


Critical Evaluation:
A wonderful fantasy for a primarily female audience, Harry begins the story as a girl who is not comfortable in her own skin. Throughout her adventures, she must go against convention to do what she feels is right, and learns to trust herself and her abilities. She forges new relationships and learns to relate to her family based on who she is, not who she is trying to be. McKinley skillfully creates an entire culture and sucks the reader right into it, without drowning in description. Horse lovers will particularly enjoy The Blue Sword.

Reader's Annotation:
Having been kidnapped by the Outlanders, Harry must now learn to ride her warhorse without a bridle, fight with a magic sword who only likes a few people, befriend a surly king, and, oh yeah, fight off a demon army...hmmm.

About the Author:
Robin McKinley lives in Hampshire, England. She likes dogs, opera, and rosebushes, and loves to ride horses and go for long walks. She says that her writing inspiration stems from her childhood as a Navy brat; she lived all over the world and read books constantly.

Curriculum Ties:
None.

Genre:
Fantasy, adventure.

Booktalking Ideas:
Harry fits in with the Outlanders rather than her own people. It's like she remembers their language, rather than learning it.

Interest Age:
12+

Challenge Issues:
None.

Reason Included:
This is probably my favorite book of all time, and I've reread it throughout my life. It's multiple printings assure me of it's continued popularity.