The Triumphant Tale of Pippa North

THE TRIUMPHANT TALE OF PIPPA NORTH combines magic and humor in a middle grade fantasy full of charm. Pippa is a commoner, and lives in the storybook kingdom of Wanderly, where she enjoys spending time with her family and going to school one day a week, as allowed. Then a man pops into their house unexpectedly, and it turns out that he sweeps Pippa away to participate in the examinations to become a Triumphant (essentially a hero). Pippa is shocked when she is selected- an honor her sister would love to have- but Pippa has some mixed feelings, mainly that she would have to live at the Triumphant academy away from her family.

Oliver is a magician-in-training at a school he has been at since he was a baby. However, a magician's hat must find them, and he is past the age where he should have found his hat. Therefore, it seems like he will never be a magician, and the school is ready to give up on him by expelling him. Oliver wants nothing more to find his hat and stay in the place he has always known as home.

When the two are connected, they will go on an adventure to save Wanderly that is sure to change their lives forever.

What I loved: The book is told from the perspective of a book, with plenty of humor and charm. Wanderly is filled with magic and nonsense rules that are sure to provoke some giggles. The book also speaks directly to the reader in places, which adds a little extra fun and encourages readers to find the hero within. The plot is paced well and moves fast enough to keep attention. There's great world-building for Wanderly, and this odd but interesting world comes to life through the story.

Final verdict: Full of charm and great for a middle grade audience, THE TRIUMPHANT TALE OF PIPPA NORTH encourages readers to reach for the stars and be their own heroes. Highly recommend for fans of ELLA ENCHANTED/OGRE ENCHANTED.

In Wanderly, everyone has a role. Some are Triumphants, the greatest of heroes, some are Tragicals, orphans doomed to a sad ending, and some are given a role in between, like the Magicians. Unfortunately, no one gets a say in what role they have, and they can’t change their fate or else be put in jail by the Chancellor. After thoroughly enjoying Temre Beltz’s first story set in Wanderly, THE TRAGICAL TALE OF BIRDIE BLOOM, I was thrilled to pick up the companion, THE TRIUMPHANT TALE OF PIPPA NORTH. Both can be read as standalones, but PIPPA NORTH has several fun easter eggs throughout from Birdie’s story.
Pippa North never wanted to be a Triumphant and get whisked away to the Triumphant Academy. She just wanted to stay with her huge family in their cozy cottage. But when Pippa is selected to be a Triumphant, she knows there's only one way out: find a fairy godmother and get her to grant her wish to no longer be a Triumphant. While trying to find a way home, Pippa meets a Magician, Oliver, a new friend, Ernest, and together, they discover what it really means to be a hero and find the place you belong.
Temre Beltz’s voice is reminiscent of Gail Carson Levine and Shannon Hale, combining an engrossing story with heartfelt messages on finding your own path and embracing your strengths. I adored the footnotes throughout the story where the narrator speaks directly to the reader. For younger readers adjusting to the higher stakes in middle grade books (compared to chapter books), they will find comfort from the narrator as they are guided through treacherous plots.
At the heart of Pippa’s story is the message that friendship can make all the difference. When Pippa and Oliver feel isolated in their respective situations, they discover a little comradeship can do wonders, which is further emphasized in the final climax where they face the rogue Magicians. And at the end of Beltz’s novel, you shouldn’t feel surprised to find that Pippa and her crew feel like friends of your own, ready to tell you their story again when you need it.