Alcatraz Versus the Evil Librarians

Alcatraz Versus the Evil Librarians
By Brandon Sanderson
Scholastic, 2007 308 pgs. Young Adult

This light-hearted young adult fantasy is pure fun. A very cleverly written adventure filled with entertaining nonsense and a bit of an important message. Alcatraz Smedry, a "problem child" has grown up in a series of foster homes. He never lasts long in one because he is cursed--breakage, accidents and destruction follow him everywhere. Then on his 13th birthday he receives an "inheritance" from his father (a bag of sand). Soon thereafter his grandfather shows up and the adventure begins. His grandfather teaches him that he has a special ability: he can break things (aha! It's not a curse--it's a special power).

SML