The Rithmatist by Brandon Sanderson

From the publisher: More than anything, Joel wants to be a Rithmatist. Rithmatists have the power to infuse life into two-dimensional figures known as Chalklings. Rithmatists are humanity's only defense against the Wild Chalklings. Having nearly overrun the territory of Nebrask, the Wild. Chalklings now threaten all of the American Isles. As the son of a lowly chalkmaker at Armedius Academy, Joel can only watch as Rithmatist students learn the magical art that he would do anything to practice. Then students start disappearing ― kidnapped from their rooms at night, leaving trails of blood. Assigned to help the professor who is investigating the crimes, Joel and his friend Melody find themselves on the trail of an unexpected discovery―one that will change Rithmatics―and their world―forever.

This month, the GPL Chapter Chompers Teen Lit Book Club read The Rithmatist by Brandon Sanderson. Overall, book club members really enjoyed the book. While a magical world centered around evil chalk drawings seemed kind of comical at first, we quickly found ourselves buying into the premise, wondering whether or not any of us would be capable of drawing the perfect circles required for protection against Wild Chalklings. We liked the character of Joel (one group member called him "pleasantly nerdy"), were conflicted about Melody (one group member LOVED her, while another felt like she was maybe hiding something), and loved to hate Professor Nalizar. We all appreciated the twists and turns of the book's ending -- Who's good? Who's bad? And why do we have to wait until 2017 to find out, Brandon Sanderson???

Almost all of our group members shipped Melody and Joel (welcome to the world, Jelody), and we spent some time envisioning the sequel of our dreams, wherein Melody and Joel get married, Professor Fitch tragically dies, and then Jelody produces a baby they name Baby Fitch, regardless of gender. What? It could happen.

The Chapter Chompers 5-point book rating system is as follows:
1 (lowest ranking) = 1 pizza
2 = 2 pizzas
3 = 3 pizzas
4 = breadsticks
5 = legit unitado

I am pleased to announced that The Rithmatist received the coveted Legit Unitado rating from our group of distinguished teen readers. It is available now in libraries and bookstores.