The Copper Gauntlet by Holly Black and Cassandra Clare

The second book of the Magisterium Series (the sequel to The Iron Trial), The Copper Gauntlet by Holly Black and Cassandra Clare (Lexile: 750; Interest Level: Grades 3-6) begins during the summer between Cal's first and second year at the Magisterium.  Cal's father had never wanted him to go to the Magisterium, and now their relationship is strained at best.  It has also not helped that Cal brought home a chaos-ridden wolf pup he found and raised at the magisterium--his father does not like Cal having this type of pet.  When Cal finds out that his father believes he is evil and has developed a plan to destroy both him and his wolf, Cal runs away to spend the rest of the summer with his friends and return to magic school in the fall. 

Back at the Magisterium, things are hardly better.  It turns out that someone has stolen the Alkahest, a magical gauntlet that can remove chaos magic from magicians.  The Maker is now in serious danger, and Cal is afraid to share his secret, even if it may help his best friend!  This story pulls the reader along on another fantastic adventure into the world of magic, fear, mistrust, and free-will.  I can hardly wait for the next book in the series! (272 p.)

---