Arikala Academy: A Wave of Courage by Jacob Ryckman

Courage is the most powerful magic of all. At eleven years old, Cassidy Farron knows two things for sure: that her time at Arikala Academy, the magical school for gifted youngsters, will be the best ever; and that everyone in her family has ALWAYS been placed in House Sword. But after a disastrous first day ends in Convocation being attacked and she's placed into House Shield, Cassidy finds that she has to reevaluate her expectations. After all, why would somebody want to attack such a wonderful place? Determined to prove her worth and get to the bottom of things, Cassidy will team up with an orphaned spellcaster and a tech genius to uncover the mysteries surrounding themselves and the school. But some secrets might be better left alone…

Middle Grade • Children’s Fiction/Science Fiction and Fantasy • Children’s Fiction • Fantasy/Cozy, Low, Mundane, and Slice of Life