Tamora Pierce

Well, finally figured out why it's taken me months to get through Magic Steps; while it is the first in the Circle Opens series, I needed to read the Circle of Magic series first. I was not understanding the whole weaving magic thing, and so was not interested in the book, which was such a shock, since I loved Alanna.

This is why it's important to have a librarian around to tell students "Yes, it matters that you read these in order," or "Read these in whatever order you would like" !