THE SINISTER SWEETNESS OF SPLENDID ACADEMY

BY NIKKI LOFTIN

PUBLISHED BY PENGUIN YOUNG READERS, USA

AVAILABLE AUGUST 21, 2012

When Lorelei's old school mysteriously burns down, a new one appears practically overnight: Splendid Academy. Rock-climbing walls on the playground and golden bowls of candy on every desk? Gourmet meals in the cafeteria, served by waiters? Optional homework and two recess periods a day? It's every kids's dream.

But Lorelei and her new friend Andrew are pretty sure it's too good to be true. Together they uncover a sinister mystery, one with their teacher, the beautiful Ms. Morrigan, at the very center.

Then Andrew disappears. Lorelei has to save him, even if that means facing a past she'd like to forget – and taking on a teacher who's a real witch.

What Lorelei and Andrew discover chills their bones – and might even pick them clean!

My Thoughts

A truly fantastic middle grade level story.  Just the right amount of spookiness to keep the reader enthralled and entertained.

 The main character is Lorelei Robinson, a young girl facing her own demons.  Her mother has died of a tragic accident and her father has remarried the proverbial wicked stepmother.  Both Lorelei and her brother Bryan dislike Molly, the stepmom, and the feeling is mutual.   

The kids are enrolled in a new charter school close to home.  Splendid Academy is a kids dream come true.  Take the classes you like, skip the ones you don't....just don't miss a meal.  It's obvious to no one except Lorelei and her friend Andrew, the kids are being fattened up for some reason.  Lorelei has her suspicions, they are being fattened up to feed the witches...but when she brings her suspicions to her father he laughs and tells her she needs to see a psychiatrist!  Seems the adults are clueless in this tale. 

 This book is a combination of Roald Dahl (I love his work) and Grimm's tales.  The author does a fabulous job of creating the story.  A 5 star book I recommend to lovers of classic tales.

5 stars *****