Books like Protector of the Small

This is my favorite of Tamora Pierce's Tortall series, the one I re-read when I want a book that I know will make me happy. I really love Keladry and her friends. I love that, and it's said in the book, while Alanna from the Lioness series of books had magic and the hand of the goddess on her, Keladry is just a determined girl who wants to right injustices. This series is exciting and engaging, with suspense and victories that the reader can rejoice in. When I was reading this series, I hated to put it down. You are rooting for Keladry. Even when I re-read these books, though I already know what's going to happen, I still get drawn in and want to keep going, and that's a sign of a good book.Pierce really expands on the world of Tortall that was introduced in the previous two series. 10 years have passed since Lady Alanna won her spurs in the first Tortall series, and while the King has declared it legal for girls to become knights, Keladry is the first girl in the 10 years to attempt it. Throughout all 4 books of this series, Keladry faces hazing and bullying, people who insult her and look down on her for pursuing this "un-ladylike" and unconventional "career-path." But I love that she doesn't let that stop her. Yes, she finds some of their insults and behavior hurtful, but she looks to herself and those she respects for approval and affirmation. I love that message for young girls. As opposed to something like Twilight, these books really deliver a message of empowerment and show a great role model for girls. Kelardy's example encourages girls to make well thought out decisions for themselves, to see the hurtful side of bullying, and that with enough determination, anything is possible. That just because something is "the way it's always been," doesn't mean that is how it should be. These books were written in the late 90's, but I feel like Keladry's anti-bully stance is really relevant to today. I also like that, while Keladry has various "love-insterests" through the series, these books are not about romance. These books are Keladry's journey, and yes, there are moments of romance as boys come into her life, but the point is not that she gets married and lives happily ever after. The point of this story is that Keladry set's out to become a knight and she does it! She wanted her spurs so that when she sees something wrong, she can do something about it, and she accomplishes that goal. That's the happily ever after.