The Circle Opens is a quartet of novels written by Tamora Pierce and set in a pseudo-medieval/renaissance era.
Each of the four also encounters a series of crimes they feel obligated to stop, and they must balance their teaching responsibilities with aiding the law.
In Emelan, Sandry finds a rare dance mage who is unwilling to accept his power due to his family heritage and must convince him to train his magic, at the same time helping her great-uncle to solve the puzzling mystery of a series of clan murders.
But when Kethlun's closest friends and a whole occupation is suddenly attacked, Keth and Tris must work together in a land where no tracking is possible due to religious beliefs.
The lesson plan suggests exploring the series' "refreshingly multiracial world," its representation of the student experience, and literary techniques of sensory writing, simile, and plot suspense.