The emerald atlas by John Stephens

Kate, Michael, and Emma have passed from one orphanage to another in the ten years since their parents disappeared to protect them, but now they learn that they have special powers, a prophesied quest to find a magical book, and a fearsome enemy.

Interesting, a good amount of dark, and a good amount of complexity. My only issue was that I listened to it, and Jim Dale drives me nuts.

I think I'm going to have to make a shelf for books about orphans since I seem to read so many of them. The Emerald Atlas is a fantastic adventure story about three children, a wizard, a witch, and a mysterious book. Using the book, the children are able to travel through time.

I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this book. I think I may actually check it out of the library and read it with my eyes too because I'm sure there are details I missed and I will want to be prepared for the sequels. The characters are believable and easy to empathize with. The book kindled in me a desire to research dwarf society. All in all, a fun young adult fantasy.

I just reread this for a book club I chaperone/run and I'd forgotten how exciting it was. I haven't felt this bad for “orphans” since Harry Potter, but at least these three have each other and the thought that their parents might not be dead.
Kate , Michael and Emma are 3 siblings who have been going from orphanage to orphanage for 10 years when they're finally sent to an orphanage in Cambridge Falls a place no one has ever heard of. They're the only “orphans” at this orphanage though. Of course right after they get settled the magic begins. They travel in time using a blank book and a photograph, lose Michael and go back in time to rescue him. They find out about an evil Countess who wants the magic book they just found, and is holding a whole town hostage to find it. They meet many supporting characters who are trying to help them.
Interestingly described magical world and the magic book, cool characters, harrowing adventure,time travel,and magic. I had forgotten how violent some of the scenes are for a tween book, but not so graphic that I'd put it closer to YA than tween. Depends on the sensitivity of the reader. I've decided after the reread to see how everything turns out for these three so I of course would say read this interesting magical book.

My mom bought me the CD version of this audiobook when I was a kid and I remember reading along while listening to the narration. I was feeling nostaligic so I relistened to it and loved it just as much as I did when I was small. The humor is dry and witty and the characters are all complex and interesting. For a mid-grade book, it delves into a lot of deep conversations and topics with a grace I appreciated.