Book Nook: Phoenix Rising

I recently had the chance to review PHOENIX RISING by Bryony Pearce. This book is a somewhat modernized take on the theme of swashbuckling pirate books. Toby has always sailed on the Phoenix with his father, salvaging junk while staying clear of authorities. Ayla has always sailed on the Banshee, taught that the Phoenix must be destroyed. Toby is tired of his life at sea, and Ayla just might have the key.

I liked this book for the fact that it can show kids that sometimes enemies can become allies, that friends can be found in unlikely places. It has an appropriate level of conflict and suspense to keep the story moving along, and an ending that will make middle grade and young adult readers happy..