The Ninja Librarians: The Accidental Keyhand

Twelve-year-old Dorrie and her brother Marcus discover a hidden gateway at their local library that leads to Petrarch's Library, a secret organization of time-traveling librarians. The siblings learn that these librarians protect writers, storytellers, and knowledge-keepers throughout history. Within Petrarch's Library, Dorrie trains to become a apprentice "Lybrarian" - learning sword-fighting, acrobatics, and the rules of time travel. Her new skills are put to the test when she uncovers a plot that threatens both the library's mission and history itself. The story combines action-adventure with historical elements as Dorrie and her companions move between different time periods and locations. Real historical figures and events provide the backdrop for Dorrie's journey from an ordinary girl to a defender of free speech and information. This middle-grade novel explores themes of courage, the power of knowledge, and the importance of protecting intellectual freedom. The narrative highlights how access to information and the right to express ideas have been threatened throughout human history.

Readers describe this book as a fun middle-grade adventure that combines time travel, libraries, and sword fighting. Many reviewers note it appeals to both children and adults who love books and history. Readers appreciated: - The unique premise of librarians protecting free speech through history - Complex vocabulary that respects young readers' intelligence - Humor and witty dialogue - Strong female protagonist who isn't perfect - Educational elements woven naturally into the story Common criticisms: - Pacing issues in the first few chapters - Too many characters introduced quickly - Some found the plot confusing to follow Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (1,100+ ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (50+ ratings) Kirkus Reviews: Starred Review One parent reviewer noted: "My 11-year-old devoured it in two days and immediately asked for the sequel." Several librarian reviewers specifically praised the accurate portrayal of library work combined with fantasy elements.

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🌟 Like the book's main character Dorrie, author Jen Swann Downey was a theatrical fencer in her youth, lending authenticity to the sword-fighting scenes. 📚 The book's fictional organization Lybrariad is inspired by real-life libraries throughout history that have protected and preserved knowledge during times of persecution and book burning. ⚔️ The sword-fighting terminology used in the novel is historically accurate, drawing from Classical Fencing techniques developed in the 17th and 18th centuries. 🕰️ Many of the historical figures mentioned in the book, including Hypatia and Giordano Bruno, were real scholars who faced persecution for spreading knowledge and challenging accepted beliefs. 🏰 The secret passages and architectural features of the Petrarch's Library were influenced by actual medieval European monasteries and libraries, which often contained hidden rooms to protect valuable manuscripts.