title: Castle: How It Works (My Readers)
author: David Macaulay
description: *Starred Review* Lets face it. Macaulay wrote the book on castles: his Caldecott Honor winner Castle (1977), later reenvisioned as part of Built to Last (2010). Now he revisits the topic with a younger audience and a new purpose in mind, recalling in an introductory note that as a kid, he didnt like reading, but he found that pictures made it more fun. Actually, with lines like Archers will greet you with flaming arrows, the text here is fun, too. As the narrative begins, a castle stands on a hill, while would-be attackers skulk on another hill in the foreground. Short sentences offer plenty of intriguing information about the castle, its inhabitants, and their many means of defense. Readers are occasionally addressed informally, Are you friend or foe? Pretty soon, the attackers make their move. Despite their alarming weapons (battering rams, catapults), its clear that in the end, the defenders will prevail. The format is slightly larger than a typical book for beginning readers, giving a bit more scope for the illustrations: strong line drawings with color washes. The use of different perspectives and cross sections is particularly fine. A promising start for Macaulays new My Readers series of nonfiction. Grades K-3. --Carolyn Phelan
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  ![Cover for People of the City](../images/9780756415013_cover.jpg)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  # Raves for the novels of Marshall Ryan Maresca:
  
  
  “[ _The Way of the Shield_ ] is a political story, one which both demands and
  rewards your attention. It’s a personal story, dealing with pain, loss,
  heartbreak and forgiveness. It’s a story about morality, about sacrifice,
  about what people want from life. It’s a fun story—there’s quips, swordfights,
  chases through the streets. It’s a compelling, convincing work of fantasy, and
  a worthy addition to the rich tapestry that is the works of Maradaine. Pick it
  up, give it a try—you won’t be disappointed.”
  
  
  —Sci-Fi and Fantasy Reviews
  
  
  “Veranix is Batman, if Batman were a teenager and magically talented. . . .
  Action, adventure, and magic in a school setting will appeal to those who love
  Harry Potter and Patrick Rothfuss’ _The Name of the Wind_.”
  
  
  — _Library Journal_ (starred)
  
  
  “The perfect combination of urban fantasy, magic, and mystery.”
  
  
  —King