Lucy the Diamond Fairy

Lucy the Diamond Fairy by, Daisy Meadows. ISBN-13: 978-0439935340

Though the Rainbow Magic series is probably best suited to a second or third grade reading level, the subject matter of the stories appeals to younger tweens who are often found crowding around this section in the library. Lucy the Diamond Fairy, which is one of the seven Jewel Fairy stories from the Rainbow Magic collection has a plot that is about as complex as the reading level it was created for. The cover art, though cartoon, contains rainbows and sparkles and an outfit that screams teen fashion.

Our heroines, Kristy and Rachel, are summoned by the glowing of the lockets presented to them by the King and Queen of the fairies. They travel, using the magic of fairy dust, to Fairyland to help the fairies. Though Kristy and Rachel have already saved many of the magic jewels that were stolen from the Fairy Queen's crown, the magic diamond is still missing-- and without it the fairies have lost their ability to fly! Kristy and Rachel must find where the evil Jack Frost has hidden the diamond and get it back to the King and Queen of the Fairies.

The story is light, easy to follow, and perfectly suited to younger readers. Simple black and white cartoon sketches are dispersed throughout the book. It is a bit too basic for the majority of tweens, but this is a really good series for female English language learners. The themes follow along similar lines as the popular books for tweens, but it is done at a level that will encourage understanding.