Review Detail

Reader reviewed by Alexandra

For Elaine Harris, and every other child of a college professor, sabbatical is a dirty word. Her parents have decided they are going to spend the year in the Washington, D.C., area, which, even if everyone speaks English unlike some sabbaticals, is nothing like home in Minnesota. Ellie's parents aren't at all sympathetic, even though her life is hard enough, being the daughter of medieval scholars and being named after a fictional woman who killed herself over Lancelot. When Ellie starts school at Avalon High, it seems to be a typical high school. There's Lance, the huge, sometimes jerky, jock. Will, the class president who everyone loves, and Jennifer, the blonde cheerleader and Will's girlfriend. But as Ellie gets to know Will, and the rest of the students, she realizes that maybe Avalon High isn't so ordinary after all, and she finds herself in some extraordinary circumstances. As loath as she is to admit it, her parent's knowledge on Arthurian legend just might come in handy. This modern twist on an old-time classic employs Meg Cabot's usual humor and wit, and realistic, lovable characters. As a fan of Arthurian legend, I thoroughly enjoyed this novel, though it can be enjoyed just as easily if you have no previous knowledge of the legen of Camelot.