Pierce, T. (1983). Alanna, the first adventure.  New York: Atheneum Books.

Alanna is a girl that is destined to become a lady in waiting but she convinces her twin brother that the professions their father has planned for them is wrong.  Her brother, Thom, does not want to be groomed to be a knight.  Alanna cuts her hair and takes Thom’s place in becoming a knight and Thom will study to be a magician.  Both Alanna and Thom possess magical gifting that Maude has shown them but Alanna is uneasy using them.  Alanna is able to disguise herself and quickly is accepted by those in the palace that will train her along with the young prince.  All accept her but one, a mean bully, Ralon an older boy determine to make Alanna’s (Alan’s) life miserable.  Alanna works harder to overcome the challenges and physical demands of becoming a squire.  She makes a friend in town and eventually introduces her palace friends to some of the locals.  She is cared by many as they see her heart and uniqueness. She is torn by presenting herself as a boy but is determined to complete the training before she tells her secret.  She is able to use her powers to help heal the prince when he is dying.  Alanna is starting to embrace her powers and understanding but it still scares her.  Alanna, the First Adventure is an enjoyable journey with a likeable character.

Alanna, the First Adventure is the first in a series of wonderful books that all can enjoy.  Alanna is feisty and determined to make her own way.  She is unconvinental but willing and ready to learn from her masters and others.  Alanna’s wit and charm are delightful to follow as she creates her own adventure.  It is suprising that Alanna  was not widely received and did not draw attention like the work reflects.  My thoughts that it was not accepted was because of the setting, students might have preferred to have a more modern setting for a book.  Previously, I had read the Midwife’s Apprentice and enjoyed it, I was more willing to give the book a chance even though at first glance I wasn’t particularly interested. As readers are introduced to new settings and great stories, it opens their reading choices.   My book was a little dated with the typeface and layout, I am interested to know if the look was updated and the typeface changed. The book cover has varied as I researched but I believe the first edition’s book cover might have played into it not being widely accepted.  The newest cover from Scholastic would be attractive to most of my students.  Also, the fact that this was Tamora Pierce’s first book with an unfamiliar setting and she hadn’t establish a fan base could have hurt the book.