IA Reads

Monday, February 24, 2014

Night School by C.J. Daugherty review

I LOVED this book!  It reminded me of when I spent a semester at Harlaxton College in Grantham, England :)

Date of Publication:         2012
ISBN# 978-0-06-219385-8
Price:  $17.99        Grade Level: J/S     Number of Pages: 424
VOYA Rating: 5Q 5P

Highly Recommended

This is the first book of a new series by author C.J. Daugherty.  Only the first book is available in the US, while the 4th book will soon be released in England.  Allie Sheridan has been arrested one too many times and her parents have decided it would be best to send her away to boarding school.  Expecting the worst from Cimmeria Academy, Allie realizes that she sort of likes it, even with its old-fashioned rules.  Allie soon finds herself in the middle of all the gossip because of her common non-legacy background and the fact that two of the cutest guys at school have shown an interest in the “new” girl.

Once I started reading this book, I could not put it down! I love the setting of the school, the descriptions of the buildings and grounds, the character development and the mystery surrounding the school and Allie.  I think the good dialogue and fast paced action really keep the reader hooked.  Cimmeria Academy is a great setting for danger, secrets and romance.  The relationship between Allie, Carter and Sylvian is complicated and mysterious.  The reader will struggle with choosing who they like better - just like Allie does.

I really like this book for an IB school in the US because it has those global elements.  Readers will enjoy reading about what it might be like to attend a boarding school in England (albeit still fictional).  While there are not really any curricular connections, this is a great book for free choice reading or a book club.  In the IB world, students could discuss the characters and how the traits of the IB Learner Profile apply to them. Outside of that, this book would be a great addition to any high school library.  There are a few swear words, kissing and near date rape, but nothing explicit or objectionable that high school students are not already familiar with.  I liked the book so much that I stayed up really late reading it and then after I finished it, I reread some parts.  I am definitely looking forward to the next book!


They ran a book trailer TV ad in Great Britain!!!  Awesome.  We need that.