When twelve-year-old Shelby's mother dies, she is sent to Ms Peabonnet's Academy for Girls to complete her education. Unable to fit in, Shelby finds a kindred soul in brainy Molly MacPac, and together they unravel a mystery at the academy that reaches into Shelby's own past.

Veillon's crafting of two strong female characters is refreshing in much of children's adventure fiction. Even witty Hermione in the Harry Potter series provides only a supporting role, and even then, though we love her, she is often hard to take because she is so know-it-all. Shelby and Molly MacPac, however, are both equally strong, independent girls.

Besides solid characterization, there is a great adventure story in Shelby and the Shifting Rings. This first tale also introduces a device that will create infinite possibilities for the series.

Similar to my response to Harry Potter, I enjoyed Shelby's academy days, finding out what classes she's taking, what books she has, and who her teachers and classmates are. That in itself would have been a fine story alone, but the added adventure and intrigue make the book a gem. I loved this book from start to finish, and I can't wait to find out what happens to Shelby next.