Page: Book 2 of the Protector of the Small Quartet (Paperback)

by Tamora Pierce (Author) "Fall that year was warm..." (more)
Key Phrases: big examinations, senior pages, outer stair, Master Oakbridge, Keladry of Mindelan, Page Keladry (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review
As the only female page in history to last beyond the first year of formal training to become a knight, 11-year-old Keladry of Mindelan has an uphill battle to fight. In addition to proving herself worthy of being a page, Kel spends her time defending first-year pages from bullies, staying on top of homework, conquering her paralyzing fear of heights, and keeping up with Lord Wyldon's grueling physical training schedule. Kel's detractors do everything in their power to thwart her progress, from tormenting her friends to sabotaging the Midwinter Festivities to kidnapping her maid and dog on the day of final examinations. The tide of resistance begins to turn slightly during the summer between Kel's second and third years, when she leads a team of pages in defensive maneuvers against renegade bandits--coincidentally on the same day that she gets her first period!

Tamora Pierce revisits the imaginary Kingdom of Tortall in this sequel to First Test: Protector of the Small. Fans of Pierce's exotic fantasy sequences will be hard-pressed to put either book down. Kel is a valuable role model: she's proud of being a girl, and she never wavers in her conviction that she can do anything a boy can--and usually do it better. Some rather bloody battles as well as discussions about Kel's developing body make this book appropriate for more mature readers. (Ages 10 to 14) --Emilie Coulter --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From School Library Journal
Grade 5-8-In this second tour through the fantasy kingdom of Tortall, Keladry begins her second year as the first "official" girl page. She has a new friend, a shy and uncertain maid who has been bullied and possibly molested, whom she helps overcome her fears by teaching her self-defense. Kel and her friends meet new challenges as they continue their training to become knights, face down a pack of raiders, and rescue one of their own from kidnappers. Appearances by familiar characters from the previous book will please fans, but new readers will have no trouble following the story. The plot is engaging and Kel's character growth continues as she deals with puberty, works to overcome her fear of heights, and gains the respect of her peers and teachers. Many books portray girls excelling in traditionally male roles through manipulation and finesse, but Pierce makes Kel sweat for her success through perseverance, hard work, and skill. Readers will appreciate this true example of grrrl power!-Heather Dieffenbach, Lexington Public Library, KY
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Young Adult
  
• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers (August 24, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0375829075
• ISBN-13: 978-0375829079
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.5 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (118 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #246,857 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

77 of 80 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A very enjoyable fantasy, June 13, 2000

By	Sheila L. Beaumont (South Pasadena, CA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Page: Book 2 of the Protector of the Small Quartet (Hardcover)

Since I gave "First Test" 5 stars, I really need 6 for this one. It's even better! The second book in the Protector of the Small series, "Page" covers Keladry's last three years as a page in knighthood-training school. We meet several new characters: Lalasa, Kel's maid, whom Kel hires in order to protect her from ill treatment by others; Owen, the young page whose favorite word is "jolly"; and a new animal friend (in addition to Kel's cranky yet loyal horse, Peachblossom, and her helpful flock of sparrows), the faithful dog Jump. Kel continues to stand up to bullies and works to conquer her fear of heights. Her mysterious benefactor bestows more gifts on her. Keladry of Mindelan is an admirable and likable heroine, and in this book she shows her courage, resourcefulness and leadership ability. If you haven't read the two previous Tortallan series, The Song of the Lioness Quartet and The Immortals, don't delay! These are all well-written, exciting, fun fantasies that can be enjoyed by both young readers and grown-ups.

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars WONDERFUL, May 23, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Page: Book 2 of the Protector of the Small Quartet (Hardcover)

Although this book was a LITTLE all over the place, year wise, it was WONDERFUL! it tells of Kel's remaining years as a Page -- and what she has to STILL deal with. It was wonderful. I must admit I was always a kinda Neal+Kel person (like i wanted them to be together sometime in the future)... i'm not as much anymore. Cleon is really sweet to her (as you'll see when you read this book!) And JOREN'S surprising turn of events? I wasn't expecting that! Well, it's a REALLY good book and i'd suggest it to anyone!

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Better Than First Test!, May 25, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Page: Book 2 of the Protector of the Small Quartet (Hardcover)

Page is better than First Test. Daine is featured a little more prominently for all you Immortals fans and the pace here is more comfortable than in First Test. Kel is becoming a really interesting character, and I can't wait for the next book!