Libr264-FantasyGroupProject

Dragons, Fairies and Magic!
Oh My!
Fantasy Genre
By Alexandra Doyle Bauer, Rachel Franklin,
Elizabeth Goode, Judy Neebe, & Carrie Wilson

What is
Fantasy?
“Fantasy itself is like a dragon,
now that I think about it.
Given its size and its lack of
aerodynamics, a dragon
shouldn’t be able to fly, but,
magically, it does! In the same
way, fantasy flies off the page
and into the imagination--
another kind of magic.” -Sarah
Prineas, author of The Magic
Thief

Definition of Fantasy:

  A work of fiction that commonly uses magic in the central
characters, plot and/or setting

  Based in supernatural or imaginary worlds

  Usually distinguished from Science Fiction by not being
based in scientific theory or elements

  Has strong connections to mythology and folklore

  Common features are: talking animals or objects, magical
powers and/or medieval or mythical elements

  If you’re not sure, ask yourself, “Are there wizards, dragons
or fairies?” If yes, then you’re reading fantasy.

According to LuAnn B.
Staheli, fantasy is “the
stuff of dreams…[it] is a
part of children’s lives
from the moment they are
born…children experience
the vivid world of fantasy,
perhaps in a richer way
than most adults realize
or remember…It gives
them a distance from
reality that provides a safe
place to explore.”

Elizabeth
Goode
Fantasy Book Selections
Libr264, Fall 2011

Fablehaven

  Mull, Brandon. (2006). Fablehaven. New York: Simon & Schuster.

  Plot: A sister and brother must stay with their eccentric grandparents when their
parents go on a cruise and find that their family is one of the few protectors of the last
safe havens for magical beings. When evil attacks and takes their grandparents,
Kendra, will have to find a way to save them all.

  Review: Believable characters and interesting mythology tie-ins. The plot’s pacing is off
in a few places, but not to a point that takes away from the enjoyment of the book.

  Reading Level: Age 10+

  Awards: Colorado Children’s Book Award Master List, Indian Paintbrush Book
Award (WY), Nevada Young Reader’s Award, Lambda Literary Award Finalist, Land of
Enchantment Children’s Master List (MN), Nene Book Award Master List (HI), Pacific
Northwest Young Reader’s Choice Award Master List, Soaring Eagle Book Award
Master List (WY), Volunteer State Book Award (TN)

  Series Information: Fablehaven series includes Rise of the Evening Star, Grip of the
Shadow Plague, Secrets of the Dragon Sanctuary, and Keys to the Demon Prison

The Magic Thief

  Prineas, Sarah. (2008). The Magic Thief. New York: Harper Trophy

  Plot: A pickpocket accidentally takes a wizard’s magic stone. When
discovered, instead of punishing the boy, the wizard takes him on as an
apprentice to help him solve the problem of the depleting magic in
Wellmut.

  Review: This was quick-paced and exciting. I like the two narration
perspectives that let you know how the wizard feels about the boy
without exactly having to tell you how he feels.

  Reading level: Age 8+

  Awards: Golden Sower Award & Rhode Island Children’s Book Award

  Series Information: The Magic Thief series includes The Magic Thief:
Lost and The Magic Thief: Found

How to Train Your Dragon

  Cowell, Cressida. (2003). How to Train your Dragon. New York: Little, Brown and
Company.

  Plot: Hiccup is the son of a Viking Chief and the pressure is on when he goes to
pick a dragon to train. Unfortunately, he grabs a Common Dragon who is stubborn
and small for his size. This doesn’t stop them from battling two giant sea dragons in
an attempt to save their village.

  Review: This book had the requisite kid humor of feather filled bras and nasty
dragon comments to get the kids laughing. The illustrations add to the light humor
and quick-pacing of the story. This is a good transitional book from Early Chapter
to Chapter.


  Awards: Translated into an award winning major motion picture

  Series Information: The “How to” series includes How to be a Pirate, How to Speak
Dragonese, How to Cheat a Dragon’s Curse, How to Twist a Dragon’s Tale, A Hero’s Guide
to Deadly Dragons, How to Ride a Dragon’s Storm, How to Break a Dragon’s Heart, and
How to Steal a Dragon’s Sword.

Samuel Blink and the Forbidden Forest

  Haig, Matt. (2007). Samuel Blink and the Forbidden Forest. New York: G.P.
Putnam’s Sons.

  Plot: After their parent’s death, Samuel and Martha must move in with their
Aunt Eda in Norway. After Martha ventures into the forbidden forest, Samuel
rushes in after her forcing Eda to face her fears and hunt after the children.
Samuel and Martha must fight the evil Professor Tanglewood to regain control
of the forest.

  Review: Funny, action-packed, quirky characters, believably nasty villain. All-in-
all a good fantasy novel for the types who like the idea of magic being just
hidden from our reach in the real world.


  Series Information: The sequel is Samuel Blink and the Runaway Troll

The Last Unicorn: Graphic Novel

  Beagle, Peter S. adapted by Peter B. Gillis. (2011). The Last Unicorn. San
Diego: IDW Publishing.

  Plot: A unicorn wonders where the rest of her kind is and wanders
into the world to find them. After being trapped by a witch, she is
saved by a magician who joins her on her quest. She is transformed
into a lady but must find her mission again to save the others like her
and the kingdom of Haggard.

  Review: The illustrations are great, but the story is more of an
appetizer to the original novel as some parts seem rushed over or don’t
make sense at all until you can get to the end and piece it all together.
For those who enjoyed Rapunzel’s Revenge, this would be a great choice.


  Awards: New York Times Best Hardcover Graphic Novel List

Rachel
Franklin
Five Fantasy Favorites!
Libr264, Fall 2011

The Graveyard Book

  Gaiman, Neil. (2008) The Graveyard Book. New York: HarperCollins.

  Plot: Bod has been growing up in a graveyard, being raised by ghosts after his family was
killed by the man Jack. Yet he feels like he is different and yearns to experience the real
world. He has been warned never to leave the graveyard because of the dangers that await
him. Bod doesn’t take the warnings seriously and decides to see what lies outside the
gates in the world of the living. It is only then that he finds himself wishing he had never
left.

  Review: A real page turner with magical, mysterious, supernatural and terrifying elements
that will entertain readers of all ages. Bod’s life in a graveyard is anything but ordinary
and is filled with adventure and learning. Readers will love how mischievous yet
endearing Bod is. Many of the things he learns from ghosts in the graveyard are historical
stories that the readers will to be interesting.

  Reading Level: Ages 11+

  Awards: 2009- Hugo Award for Best Novel, Newbury Medal, Locus Award for Best YA
Novel & 2010- Carnegie Medal

Tuck Everlasting

  Babbitt, Natalie. (1975). Tuck Everlasting. New York: Farrar, Straus, Giroux.

  Plot: Its when Winnie decides to take a walk in the woods near her house, that she
meets a young boy in a clearing drinking water from the ground. He and his family
are the Tuck’s and live in these woods. They take her to their house and reveal their
secret to her that has never been told before. Their secret sounds like a fairy tale,
how can it possibly be real? Unknown to them, is the man in the woods, who
overhears everything and plans to use this knowledge to his benefit. Winnie is
forced to make a decision about her future that would most likely change her life
forever. She must stop the man, from spreading the secret, but now the Tuck’s are
also in danger, it is up to her to choose what is right.

  Review: This fantasy book is set in the 19th century and explores the topics of
immorality and magic. This is a light book, yet makes the reader think about its
concepts and messages afterwards. This book implies that living forever is not
everything one would hope for and what if everyone found out about the secret?
Winnie makes an important decision in the book that will effect the rest of her life.


  Awards: Janusz Korczak Medal, 1976 Christopher Award Best Book for Young
People, Selected as an ALA Notable Book, Horn Book Magazine Fan Fare List

A Wrinkle in Time

  L’Engle, Madeleine. (1962). A Wrinkle in Time. New York: Bantam Doubleday Dell Books
for Young Readers.

  Plot: Meg’s parents are brilliant scientists and her father has been away on an assignment
but has been missing for months. Her little brother, Charles Wallace, meets three older
ladies who one night transport Meg, her brother, and their friend Calvin to a different
part of the universe. From there, the quest to find Meg’s father becomes the most
important task at hand. Together they must forge through different planets and time
spheres, and it will be up to them whether Meg’s father returns home safely.

  Review: Some of scientific terminology may make it a difficult read for younger readers
to understand, but the sense of adventure and time travel play solid roles throughout the
book. Through this book the reader will enter worlds they have never dreamed of. The
author combines a coming of age book with family values and scientific adventure.

  Awards: Newbury Medal, Lewis Carroll Shelf Award, Sequoyah Book Award, Runner-up
for Hans Christian Andersen Award

  Series Information: A Wind in the Door (1973), A Swiftly Tilting Planet (1978), Many Waters
(1986), An Acceptable Time (1989)

Artemis Fowl

  Colfer, Eoin. (2002). Artemis Fowl. New York: Hyperion Books for Children.

  Plot: Artemis Fowl is a twelve year mastermind, who is unlike any other boy his age. For
a human, he is has more knowledge of things than any other person. His new quest is to
save his family’s fortune and get gold from the Fairy People. When he kidnaps Captain
Holly Short from the Fairy People, he knows his plan is fool proof. In actuality the Fairy
People are much more advanced than he anticipates and he realizes that this is going to
be a tougher job than he initially thought it would be.

  Review: This is an action packed book that is narrated from Artemis Fowl’s point of
view and the fairies. The book keeps you wondering which side to choose as well as
guessing possible endings. The dual narrating between the humans and fairies changes
your perspective of the book and keeps each part interesting. Very Entertaining and fast
paced read! This book has also been made into a graphic novel based on the book with
future releases as well for the series.


  Awards: 2004 Young Readers Choice Award

  Series Information: The Arctic Incident (2003), The Eternity Code (2004), The Opal
Deception (2005), The Lost Colony (2006), The Time Paradox (2008)

Charlie & The Chocolate Factory

  Dahl, Roald. (1964). Charlie & the Chocolate Factory. New York: Knopf.

  Plot: Charlie Bucket is the luckiest boy around when he finds a golden ticket in a chocolate bar that
is good for admission to Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory that just happens to be in his home town!
Charlie is one of 5 winners who all come from different places, and act much different than
Charlie. Charlie chooses to bring his Grandpa Joe with him for the tour. Each winner is promised a
lifetime supply of chocolate if they can complete the tour without misbehaving. Willy Wonka has
Oompa-Loompas who help run his factory, rooms dedicated to creating the newest candy
inventions, chocolate lakes, etc. As they begin to tour the factory, strange things start to happen to
those who misbehave. Charlie knows that he will be able to behave himself, because he would love
the to have a lifetime of chocolate! But there are many temptations in the factory that even he will
have a hard time resisting.

  Review: This book is full of imagination and will delight the reader from the beginning until the
end. Entering Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory is a dream come true for most children who love
candy and dream of being a winner of a golden ticket like Charlie Bucket. Some of the punishments
the winners receive in the factory may seem harsh to younger readers. This book has been made
into two major motion films in 1971 and 2005.


  Awards: 2000 Blue Peter Book Award, 2000 Millennium Children’s Book Award, 1973 Surrey
School Award, 1972 New England Round Table of Children’s Librarians Award

  Series Information: The Glass Elevator (1972)

Carrie Wilson
A Collection of Five
Fantasy Books
Libr264, Fall 2011

Gregor the Overlander

  Collins, Suzanne. (2003). Gregor the Overlander. New York: Scholastic.

  Plot: When eleven year old Gregor’s baby sister Boots falls into a laundry
chute one day, the protective Gregor follows after her. The siblings are
transported into the Underland, an alternate world populated by humans with
translucent skin, silver hair and purple eyes. They live in the kingdom of
Regalia, which is threatened by giant rats (Gnawers). Other creatures in this
highly divisive land include cockroaches (Crawlers), Spiders (Spinners) and
bats (Fliers). Gregor meets Luxa, a haughty, brave girl around his age, who will
become Queen of Regalia when she turns sixteen, and her grandfather Vikus,
who leads the governing group of Regalia. Gregor tries to find his way back
home, but he learns of a man held prisoner by the rats (who may be his father,
who disappeared a few years ago) and a stunning prophecy. Gregor the
Overlander may be destined to save the Underworld from the destruction at
the hand (and teeth) of the Gnawers.

Gregor the Overlander

  Review: This dark fantasy is fast-paced, well-plotted and imaginative. It will have
broad appeal to boys and girls, action fans, fantasy fans and even to general readers.
This is a great selection for all tweens and may also appeal to teens, particularly fans
of the Hunger Games, who will be eager to explore a more fanciful (but equally dark)
side of Suzanne Collins. This series is best suited to fans of alternate-world and
talking animal fantasies, but even self confessed chick-lit fans have touted the
Underland Chronicles. This book is critically acclaimed—it was positively reviewed in
Booklist (starred review), SLJ, Kirkus, the Horn Book, VOYA and Publishers Weekly.

  Reading level: 5th grade, Ages 9-13

  Awards: Nutmeg Book Award Nominee ( Intermediate) 2006; Maud Hart Lovelave
Book Award Nominee (Grades 6-8) 2007; North Carolina Children’s Book Award
Nominee (Junior Book) 2007; Young Hoosier Book Award Winner ( Intermediate):
2007

  Series Information: Gregor the Overlander and the Prophecy of Bane, Gregor and the Curse
of the Warmbloods, Gregor and the Marks of Secret, Gregor and the Code of Claw

Ella Enchanted

  Levine, Gail Carson. (1997). Ella Enchanted. New York: HarperCollins.

  Plot: Ella of Frell was given a gift by the fairy Lucinda- or, rather, a curse. Ella must be obedient to every
command, even if it harms her. Ella, fortunately, has figured out how to follow the letter of the law, if not
its spirit—most of the time. When Ella’s mother dies, she is sent to finishing school with two her two
horrid future step-sisters, Hattie and Olive. Hattie begins to catch on to Ella’s suspicious obedience, and
orders her to give up her mother’s necklace—and her best friend. These events, combined with Ella’s
budding romance with Prince Charmant make her determined to break this curse of obedience. Ella
embarks on a dangerous quest to find a fairy that will break the spell.

  Review: Ella Enchanted is a fresh re-telling of Cinderella—with a twist. Ella Enchanted is a fractured fairy
tale; some characters have been re-imagined, and the plot takes some unexpected turns, even while
including traditional elements of the Cinderella tale. Hand this Newbery Honor (1998) book to tweens
searching for smart heroines and solid, fun fantasy. Ella Enchanted appeals strongly to girls, even those
who don’t read much fantasy because of the familiarity most tweens have with the Cinderella tale. Readers
will recognize familiar elements of the Cinderella story (the evil step-mother and wicked stepsisters, the
handsome prince, and the fairy godmother) and be pleased by Ella’s spunk. This book was very well-
received—it was reviewed positively in School Library Journal, Booklist and Horn Book.

  Reading Level: 4.6, Ages 9-14

  Awards: Newbery Honor (1998); California Young Reader Medal Award 2000; Hoosier Book Award
Winner 2000

Graceling

  Cashore, Kristen. (2008). Graceling. Orlando, FL: Harcourt Children’s Books.

  Plot: Lady Katsa is a graceling in the Seven Kingdoms. A graceling can be easily recognized by their different
colored eyes and extraordinary gifts. Some graces are merely entertaining—some have the grace of singing, others
have the grace of storytelling—and others, like Katsa’s, are dangerous. Katsa has the grace of killing—with her bare
hands. Katsa killed her first man when she was just eight years old. After this, she was forced to become the
hitman of her uncle, King Randa, a cruel and manipulative ruler. This is contrary to Katsa’s nature. Despite her
terrible grace, she is not a killer, nor does she want to be a tool of a corrupt ruler. She clandestinely forms a group
that undermines those that abuse their power. When rescuing the father of king, she meets her match in the
form of Prince Po, a man whose grace makes him a fighter equal to Katsa.

  Review: Graceling is a beautifully written, original, compelling, action packed tale with unforgettable characters
and plot twists. Despite Katsa’s terrible grace, she is a mesmerizing, complex protagonist. Recommend this title to
fantasy fans, particularly fans of Tamora Pierce. Graceling is not for all tweens—hand it to older, more mature
tweens, teens and adults, girls and boys. There is a stronger appeal to girls because of elements of romance. Read-
alikes: Fans of Graceling may enjoy Maria Snyder’s Poison Study, Magic Study and Fire Study. Other titles to suggest
include: Protector of the Small series and the Hunger Games trilogy. School Library Journal starred review; an ALA
Best Book for Young Adults (2009); Booklist starred review; positive reviews in Library Journal, VOYA and
Publisher’s Weekly.

  Reading level: Grades 7 and up.

  Awards: William C. Morris Debut Award Finalist: 2009; Indies Choice Awards Honor Book, 2009;
Cybils Finalist--Fantasy/Sci-Fi/Teen/YA: 2008; California Young Reader Medal Nominee (Young Adult)
2012; Rhode Island Teen Book Award Winner (Ages 12 & Up) 2011

  Series information: Seven Kingdoms Trilogy: Fire (2009), Bittersweet (Future release)

First Test

  Pierce, T. (1999). First Test. New York: Random House.

  Plot: Ten years ago, in the Kingdom of Tortall, a decree was written allowing
girls to train to become knights. No one had attempted to do so, until a ten-
year-old noble girl, Keladry (Kel) of Mindalen steps forward. Kel was raised in
the Yamani Islands, where she was trained by Yamani warriors, who view
showing emotion as a liability. Her older brothers are knights, and Kel has no
interest or aptitude in “ladylike arts.” A noble girl her age would normally go
to a convent school. Not Kel. Her path is complicated by the one year
probation period placed on her by the training master of the pages, Lord
Wyldon, who does not want girls to become knights. The already brutal
training conditions for pages are amplified for the stoic, determined Kel by
several male pages who resent her and bully her relentlessly. Eventually, Kel’s
chivalry and bravery endear her to some of her fellow pages, but her trial is not
over. When the pages must join together to fight the Spidren (immortal beasts
who feed on human blood), Kel faces her toughest test yet.

First Test

  Review: Kel is a likeable underdog, and easy to root for and the
medieval fantasty setting l is richly imagined, complete with
threatening monsters, magic, and valiant heroes. It is not necessary to
have read Pierce’s previous series that take place in Tortall; in First Test,
Pierce has created a world that is accessible to first-time Pierce readers.
First Test garnered positive reviews from Booklist, VOYA, Horn Book and
School Library Journal.

  Reading level: 5th grade, Ages 9-13

  Series information: The Song of the Lionness, The Immortals, The Protector
of the Small, Trickster, Beka Cooper Trilogy, which is a prequel series. The
third book of this trilogy will be released on October 25th, 2011.

The Doll People

  Martin, Ann M. & Laura Godwin. (2000). The Doll People. Illustrated by Brian
Selznick. New York: Hyperion.

  Plot: Annabelle Doll is not your average dollhouse doll. She and her family are
living dolls, and have been for over a hundred years. Life has been uneventful
for eight-year-old Annabelle in her Victorian dollhouse, which has passed down
to 8-year-old Kate, ever since her Aunt Sarah had gone missing forty-five years
ago. Annabelle, frustrated that no one has ever tried to find her beloved aunt,
finds Aunt Sarah’s journal and begins to unlock clues about her
disappearance. When a new, modern doll family arrives in the Palmer house,
life changes for the Doll family forever. Annabelle meets another living doll,
Tiffany Funcraft, who becomes her first real friend. The Funcrafts are sturdy
plastic dolls, perfect for Kate’s younger sister. This modern family, however,
poses a threat to the Dolls quiet existence, for they don’t understand the
importance of the Doll Code of Honor. Ignoring this Code is dangerous for
living dolls—they could fall into permanent doll state, rendering them forever
inanimate.

The Doll People

  Review: This fantasy about living dolls is suspenseful, imaginative and peopled
with well-drawn characters. Children who read this book will be entertained
and enriched by the growth of the characters and the satisfying
conclusion. Hand this titles to young tween girls who enjoy reading fantasy.
Some read-alikes include: The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate
DiCamillo; The Indian in the Cupboard series by Lynn Reid Banks; Hitty: Her
First Hundred Years by Rachel Field (1930 Newbery Medal Winner).

  Awards: Named a PW best book of the year. Positive reviews in SLJ, Kirkus,
PW, Booklist, Horn Book.

  Reading Level: 4th grade, Ages 9-12

  Series Information: The Meanest Doll in the World (2005), The Runaway Dolls
(2010)

Judy Neeb
A Collection of Five Fantasy Books
Libr264, Fall 2011

James and the Giant Peach

  Dahl, R. (1961). James and the Giant Peach. New York: Puffin Books.

  Plot: Unexpectedly, young James Trotter finds himself without parents, living with two
horrible aunts. As he struggles with a lonely and miserable life, James is given a magic
bag by a mysterious old man. From this brief encounter, James is thrust into a new magic
world where insects become best friends and where adventure is just the beginning.

  Review: With illustrations provided by Quentin Blake, Roald Dahl’s classic adventure of
magic and friendship continues to enchant anyone of any age. Though magic is used to
bring James adventure life, the true story lies in the adventure of friendship that James
shares with his new insect friends inside a magical enlarged peach. Dahl’s charm lies in
his ability in creating a mythical world in which while there is wickedness, there’s always
something that can overpower it to create something amazing and wonderful. (Please
note that in the many different printed editions of James and the Giant Peach, there have
been five different illustrators)

  Reading Level: Age 8+

  Awards: While this book has not been listed for any major awards, it has been frequently
challenged or banned due to its slightly frightening content.

  Series Information: While James and the Giant Peach, was a solo story, many of Dahl’s
children’s stories are told from a fantastical point of view. A constant theme of Dahl’s
has been that there are children who must deal with some form of adversity who are
assisted through fantastical or magical means.

Coraline

  Gaiman, Neil. (2002). Coraline. New York: HarperCollins.

  Plot: Coraline and her parents have moved into a quiet home that has been
converted into apartment units. Facing boredom, Coraline explores her new home
and her new neighbors. In her exploration, she finds a key to a door that leads to
her “other” parents. Now Coraline must decide which “family” is the safe one and
which is the one that will change her forever.

  Review: Coraline is a story that will ignite the imaginations of those who love a little
horror in their fantasy. As Coraline is faced with boredom in her new home, the
concept of curiosity is embraced by the characters as a positive thing even if that
might have negative consequences. Young readers will relate to Coraline’s story, in
that the connections between child and parent can be frustrating. In the end, what
matters is the love that is shown unconditionally. In the original publication, artist
Dave McKean provides twisted illustrations that enhance the story. In the graphic
novel adaptation, artist P. Craig Russell combines dreamy illustrations with realism
to bring this fairytale to life. Fans of comic books and graphic novels will enjoy the
art and use of color throughout Russell’s adaptation.

  Reading Level: 9+

  Awards: Coraline won an Eisner in 2009 for best Publication for Teens/Tweens for
the graphic novel adaptation, as well as a 2003 Hugo and Nebulla award for Best
Novella. It has also won a Bram Stroker award for Best Work for Young Readers.

Bone: Out from Boneville

  Smith, J. (2005). Bone: Out from Boneville. New York: Scholastic Press (Graphix)

  Plot: Three cousins, Fone Bone, Phoney Bone, and Smiley Bone, are forced out
their home of Boneville, thanks to some poor scheming on Phoney Bone’s part. As
they search for a way out each, the cousins are separated and find adventure in a
new land. They are later reunited at a farm run by Gran’ma Ben and her
granddaughter, Thorn. Yet, a dark cloud covers this reunion as the true adventure
for the Bone cousins has barely begun.

  Review: Thanks in part to Smith’s cartooning background, the art for Bone flows
like an animated feature and the pacing of the story is quite smooth. The Bone
cousins are a delight and the supporting characters are brought in with just enough
mystery that readers will be asking for more. The complete series of Bone is an epic
on par with Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings series. Fantasy lovers and comic fans will
rejoice in this beautiful tale of adventure, love, danger, and family.


  Awards: Smith has won multiple Eisner and Harvey awards for his writing and
illustration work. Bone, as a single issue story line and as a collected work, has also
won multiple Eisner and Harvey awards. The Eisner and Harvey awards are the
achievement awards given to those in the comic book industry.

  Series Information: Bone: Out from Boneville is the first in a nine installment series.
Scholastic has re-published the Bone series using colorization from the original
black and white. A complete collection of the series is available through author Jeff
Smith’s personal publishing outlet, Cartoon Books. There are also many Bone spin-
off series created by Jeff Smith that follow the further adventures of the Bone
cousins or stories providing background to other characters of the Valley.

Shazam! The Monster Society of Evil

  Smith, J. (2007) Shazam! The Monster Society of Evil. New York: DC Comics

  Plot: Billy Batson is an orphan living alone on the streets. When Billy meets
the wizard Shazam, he is given a special magic word that allows him to
transform into Captain Marvel. As Billy adapts to his new role, strange
creatures have appeared in the city. Captain Marvel and Billy must face this
new threat as good and evil fight for control.

  Review: Jeff Smith’s new take on the origin story of Billy Batson and Captain
Marvel is a great option for anyone curious about comic books and graphic
novels. Parents who might be dealing with picky readers will enjoy the use of
cartoon-style art mixed with fast-paced prose that never falters in its pacing.
Smith delivers a great superhero/fantasy story that highlights how comics and
graphic novels are still great ways of telling wonderful stories.


  Awards: Though Shazam! The Monster Society of Evil has not collected any
awards, the writer and illustrator of the book, Jeff Smith, has won multiple
Eisner and Harvey awards for his Bone series.

  Series Information: Though this collected edition of Shazam! was only a solo
story, there are many different other Shazam! Stories, as well as kid-friendly
comic stories, available through DC Comics’ kids publishing line, Johnny DC.

Mouse Guard: Fall 1152

  Petersen, D. (2007). Mouse Guard: Fall 1152. Hollywood: Archaia Studios Press

  Plot: Kenzie, Saxon, and Lieam serve the Mouse Guard, a proud and noble group of
mice who protect and guide against outside danger and the predators of the land. During
a mission to find a missing merchant, the three brave mice discover treachery amongst
the mice communities. By maintaining their code and honor, these three brave mice
must fight to save Lockhaven, the home of the Mouse Guard.

  Review: Fans of Brian Jacques’ Redwall series will rejoice in this beautifully drawn series.
Petersen’s art provides modern storytelling that is still surrounded by a medieval
presence. The battle scenes are skillfully drawn and the characterization of the mice
reflect their struggle to survive. The pacing for the plot is handled quite nicely, creating a
slow build to the final battle scene.


  Awards: The series has won two Eisner awards, one being for “Best Publication for Kids”
in 2008.

  Series Information: Mouse Guard was first released in single-issue formats, with collected
editions later printed after each story arc. There are two collected editions with the Fall
1152 storyline being the first, followed by Winter 1152. Petersen has been working on a
prequel and has plans on continuing the series in the future.

Alexandra Doyle Bauer
Fantasy Selection for Tweens
Libr264, Fall 2011

Eragon

  Paolini, C. (2003). Eragon. New York: Random House.

  Plot: Eragon, a young boy, discovers a dragon egg yet he does not know what it truly is.
The egg was magically transported to the place the boy finds it by an elf. She is trying to
protect it, as evil forces are trying to obtain it. The plot takes a turn when Eragon’s uncle
is killed and so the young boy must venture out on his own. He befriends a man who
knows all about dragons and teaches him the lessons. As this man, Brom, knows the
secrets of the Dragon Riders. The dragon, Saphira, and Eragon end up having a special
bond. Through their travels and adventures the two become a fierce team. Through
many fights against evil, some captures and escapes, and by helping the prisoner elf Arya
the boy begins to understand that he is more important than he ever though possible in
this great battle of good versus evil.

  Review: Although there are several components of the book that may sound familiar to
readers, the fantasy story about a teenage boy finding a dragon egg is really fun and
exciting. The book is a good read and with a mixture of magic, dragons, and adventure it
has all the makings of a great fantasy novel.


  Awards: This book has won many awards over the years since it was published. Some of
the most honorable mentions are the Rebecca Caudill Young Readers' Book Award
(2006) and the Book Sense Book of the Year (Children's Literature Winner, 2004).

  Series Information: The Inheritance Series includes Eldest (2005), Brisingr (2008),
Inheritance (2011)

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone

  Rowling, J. K. (1997). Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. New York: Scholastic, Inc.

  Plot: Harry Potter is the boy who lived. He is an orphan living with his aunt, cousin, and
uncle. The Dursley’s are not very nice people. Harry is about to turn eleven years old and this
marks the beginning of the biggest change in his life so far. He begins to receive letters, many
many letters, from an unknown sender. The letters are intercepted by his uncle and burned so
he never knows what they say. In order to escape these strange letters coming by owl, the family
takes a vacation to a remote island. However, once there a huge man named Hagrid shows up
to inform Harry that he is one of the most gifted wizards in the world. Harry has been
accepted to Hogwarts, the esteemed School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, and he is to go right
away to prepare for the upcoming year. While en route on the Hogwarts Express train he
befriends two students, Ron and Hermione, who become his best friends. With the help of his
new friends and the headmaster, Professor Dumbledore, Harry learns the truth about what
happened to his parents and what dark forces are awaiting the world. Harry must use all of his
strength and new found resources in order to fight the evil that is trying to kill him once and
for all. The evil has a name, even though the witches and wizards call him He Must Not Be
Named, it is Voldermort.

  Review: The great beginning to the series of Harry Potter provides the reader with what
happens during Harry’s first year at Hogwarts. The series takes us all the way through his
schooling years and provides all the details about why and how the battle between good and
evil has progressed. Harry and his friends are brave and kind characters. The book is dramatic,
answers questions and even leaves more questions unanswered. That is the mark of a great
series though, to be able to leave the reader wanting more from these characters who eventually
become familiar friends to the reader as well.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone


  Awards: Among the numerous awards this book has received I have listed
a few notable ones herewith: Carnegie Medal Shortlist (1997) , Nestlé
Smarties Book Prize (Gold Award, 9-11 years category, 1997), and the
ALA Best Books for Young Adults (1999).

  Series Information: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (1998) - Harry
Potter and the Prisoner of Azakaban (1999) - Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
(2000) - Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2003) - Harry Potter and the
Half-Blood Prince (2005) - Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (2007)

The Golden Compass

  Pullman, Philip. (1996). The Golden Compass. New York: Random House.

  Plot: The tale begins with Lyra and Pantalaimon (her dæmon, an animal version of a person’s soul) in
Oxford where she is listening to a conversation she is not supposed to be involved with. From this she
gather. information about the journey she is about to embark on. She must find her friend Roger,
who has been taken by the Gobblers. There are elements of loyalty, secrecy, and intrigue in this book.
There is a magic compass, called an alethiometer, which plays an important role in helping Lyra find
her way. The story not only has talking shape-shifting animals, it has armored bears, Gyptians, and the
mysterious Dust. Lyra’s travels take her from being an innocent young girl in London to becoming an
informed and aware girl in Svalbard and beyond.

  Review: The book starts with the tale of a young girl and her dæmon. At first it seems that this is just
a pet but it turns out that the connection that the animal and person has is crucial to their existence.
The magical elements abound in the novel and the travels take Lyra all over the world. The aspects of
other worlds and religion play heavily in the story.


  Awards: The book has won a range of awards and honors since it was published. A few of the many
include the ALA Best Books for Young Adults (1997), the Carnegie Medal (1995), and the Guardian
Children's Fiction Prize (Joint, 1996)

  Series Information: His Dark Materials Trilogy include The Subtle Knife (1997) - The Amber Spyglass
(2000)

The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe

  Lewis, C. S. (1950). The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. London: HarperCollins Publishing.

  Plot: Four siblings living in their uncle’s home begin an adventure that spans their lives. The
youngest, Lucy, find another land through a door in the back of a wardrobe. The path to Narnia
takes her on a journey that she could never expect. Peter, Susan, and Edmund, along with Lucy, are
prophesized to become saviors of Narnia. The real king is Aslan, the lion, who is all loving and has
magical powers. Edmund makes a pact with evil The White Witch and this causes many issues for
the children and Narnia. The fight to save Narnia takes many turns and is eventful until the last
scene. The children have been in Narnia for many years and they grow into adults. Yet when they
are returned to the lamppost they find that things have not changed as much as they thought.

  Review: This riveting books is great for all ages, both young and old can enjoy its great details and
charm. There is some religious connotation that I did not find as a child when I read this book, yet
it does not make it a religious story by any means. The good versus evil theme is something that
resonates beyond the decades and I think this book and the entire series will be a favorite for many
generations to come.


  Awards: This title has won many modern awards but one from 1950, David Pringle's Modern
Fantasy: The 100 Best Novels.

  Series Information: The Chronicles of Narnia Series includes Prince Caspian (1951) - The Voyage of
the Dawn Treader (1952) - The Silver Chair (1953) - The Horse and His Boy (1954) - The Magician's
Nephew (1955) - The Last Battle (1956)

The Twelve Dancing Princesses

  Miles, Ellen. (2003). The Twelve Dancing Princesses. New York: Scholastic, Inc.

  Plot: Julian is a poor orphan who has dreamed of marrying a princess his whole life. When he learns of the
King’s desire to find out how his twelve princess daughters are getting out each night to dance the night away and
wear out their shoes every night, he sees his chance. The king will grant any man who finds out the truth the
hand of one of the girls and the kingdom. Julian travels from his home to the palace. On his way to the palace he
encounters a lady in need of help. Julian assists her and in return she presents him with some magical items. He
takes the magic laurel saplings and continues on his journey. Once there is a given a job as a gardener’s boy and
he gets to make the princesses fresh bouquets of flowers each day. As he figures out what he must do to find out
the secret to all of the dancing the girls are doing he turns to the magic trees to gain help. The magic trees present
him with a flower that makes him invisible. He follows the princesses on several occasions and discovers their
secret. They are under an enchanted spell and must dance every night at an elaborate ball put on by a vindictive
and powerful woman. Julian figures out a way to let the princesses keep doing what they love so much, dancing,
and helps the king solve his problem by breaking the spell.

  Review: This book is an adaptation of a classic princess tale with a romantic theme. The story catches the interest
of young girls everywhere who want to be a princess and for young boys who want to save the enchanted
princesses. The story of the old king who wants to protect his daughters by banning dancing is sad and powerful,
as the love for his family is driving him to do anything in his grasp to find the cause of the daughters worn out
shoes. This book is great for young readers as it is not scary or horrific in any way. It is just a lovely story with a
happy ending.


  Awards: While no awards have been given to this particular version, this story dates back to the original by the
Grimm Brothers from the early 1800’s.

Book Talks!

  Elizabeth: Samuel Blink & the Forbidden Forest
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KXvt5k_ycf0

  Rachel: Tuck Everlasting
http://studio.stupeflix.com/v/WsJRXh1ejb/

  Carrie: Gregor the Overlander
http://studio.stupeflix.com/v/TVTVuMRLDU/

  Judy: Bone: Out of Boneville
http://youtu.be/O7RkwqzInys

  Alex: Harry Potter & the Sorcerer’s Stone
http://youtu.be/776KM2Y7bTs

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