fantasy

The Looking-Glass Illusion by Sara Ella

By Betsy Farquhar | Apr 15, 2024

The Looking-Glass Illusion brings the story from The Wonderland Trials to a clever and satisfying conclusion in this fantasy series for teens. The Looking-Glass Illusion ...

*Houses with a Story by Seiji Yoshida

By Janie Cheaney | Mar 12, 2024

Houses with a Story offers both a fascinating tour of storybook dwellings and a springboard to imagination. *Houses with Story: A Dragon’s Den, a Ghostly ...

Reading K. M. Shea’s Clean Urban Fantasy

By Hayley Morell | Feb 13, 2024

Snarky heroines, quick banter, action, adventure, and a dash of romance are all components to K. M. Shea’s urban fantasy novels, but are they suitable ...

The Boy, the Cloud, and the Very Tall Tale by Heather Smith

By Janie Cheaney | Jan 17, 2024

A 12-year-old works through grief in The Boy, the Cloud, and the Very Tall Tale. The Boy, the Cloud, and the Very Tall Tale by ...

Newbery Roundup 1: Jawbreaker, When Sea Becomes Sky, Duel

By Janie Cheaney | Jan 12, 2024

Two weeks from now (January 22), the American Library Association will announce their Youth Media Award winners, including the Newbery and Caldecott. We’ve kept an ...

YA Fantasy: Murtagh, Theft of Sunlight, & Wind Daughter

By Hayley Morell | Dec 21, 2023

A rapid fire round up of three YA fantasy novels that belong to bigger worlds: Murtagh, A Darkness at the Door, and Wind Daughter. Murtagh ...

Back to the Bright Before by Katherin Nolte

By Janie Cheaney | Dec 21, 2023

Back to the Bright Before is a touching tale that mixes medieval imagery with a contemporary story of guilt and redemption. Back to the Bright ...

*Watership Down: The Graphic Novel by Richard Adams, James Sturm, and Joe Sutphin

By Janie Cheaney | Dec 2, 2023

The graphic-novel version of Watership Down combines the dramatic force of the original story with winning art. *Watership Down: The Graphic Novel by Richard Adams, ...

Things in the Basement by Ben Hatke

By Janie Cheaney | Oct 28, 2023

Ben Hatke’s graphic novel Things in the Basement takes an intrepid protagonist through centuries of art and symbolism. Things in the Basement by Ben Hatke. ...

*The Puppets of Spelhorst by Kate DiCamillo

By Janie Cheaney | Oct 26, 2023

The Puppets of Spelhorst is a bittersweet fairy tale with engaging characters and an enthralling conclusion. *The Puppets of Spelhorst: A Norendy Tale by Kate ...

Retro Reads: The Rescuers by Margery Sharp

By Betsy Farquhar | Oct 23, 2023

The Rescuers by Margery Sharp offers fun, old-fashioned storytelling that bears little resemblance to the Disney movie. The Rescuers by Margery Sharp, illustrated by Garth ...

*The Carver and the Queen by Emma Fox

By Betsy Farquhar | Oct 2, 2023

An adventurous fairy tale set in Imperial Russia, perfect for teens who enjoy books like The Silver Chair by C. S. Lewis. *The Carver and ...

The Lost Library by Rebecca Stead and Wendy Mass

By Janie Cheaney | Sep 27, 2023

The Lost Library is thin on theme, but warm hearted and family-friendly. The Lost Library by Rebecca Stead and Wendy Mass. Feiwel and Friends, 2023, ...

What Came From the Stars by Gary D. Schmidt

By Betsy Farquhar | Sep 25, 2023

What Came From the Stars is mysterious, offering hope for those grieving and illuminating the strange power of art. What Came From the Stars by ...

YA Graphic Novels: Graceling, Cheshire Crossing & Lore Olympus

By Hayley Morell | Sep 21, 2023

A rapid fire round up of three YA graphic novels for mature teen readers. Graceling by Kristin Cashore, adapted and illustrated by Gareth Hinds. Clarion ...

Beneath the Swirling Sky by Carolyn Leiloglou

By Megan Saben | Sep 12, 2023

Vincent and his cousin Georgia travel through the Corridor and art masterpieces to rescue Vincent's little sister while trying to undo the villainous efforts of ...

The Magician’s Elephant by Kate DiCamillo

By Betsy Farquhar | Jun 6, 2023

The Magician's Elephant is a delicately written (and illustrated) fairy tale of one boy's longing for family, one girl's longing for home, and an elephant ...

Big Tree by Brian Selznick

By Janie Cheaney | May 23, 2023

Big Tree, by best-selling author-illustrator Brian Selznick, attempts to capture the wonder of creation without a Creator. Big Tree by Brian Selznick. Scholastic, 2023, 525 ...

The Guardian Test by Christina Soontornvat

By Janie Cheaney | May 2, 2023

The Legends of Lotus Island series follows a child of destiny as she seeks to pass “The Guardian Test.” The Guardian Test (Legends of Lotus ...

Caldecott Honor Roundup: Ain’t Burned All the Bright, Berry Song, Choosing Brave, and Knight Owl

By Janie Cheaney | Feb 14, 2023

This year's Caldecott honor books explore a range of moods from wistful to whimsical. Ain’t Burned All the Bright by Jason Reynolds, illustrated by Jason ...

Love and Laughter Book List

By Janie Cheaney | Feb 6, 2023

A Valentine's Day list of books that celebrate family love and wholesome romance. It’s the season of hearts and flowers and chocolate. Valentine’s Day is ...

Windswept by Margi Preus

By Janie Cheaney | Jan 31, 2023

Windswept is a lovely fantasy/fairy tale of children learning to take on the responsibility of stewardship through story, service, and sacrifice. Windswept by Margi Preus. ...

2023 Newbery Buzz #4: Jack Zulu

By Betsy Farquhar | Jan 23, 2023

Does an independently published novel like Jack Zulu have what it takes to win the Newbery? We're back with Newbery Buzz Discussion #4 for 2023. ...

The Rat Queen by Pete Hautman

By Janie Cheaney | Nov 30, 2022

Though not for every reader, The Rat Queen effectively exposes the harm caused to individual souls by hiding or excusing their own sins. The Rat ...

*The Red Palace by June Hur

By Betsy Farquhar | Oct 17, 2022

Eighteenth century Korea comes to life in The Red Palace, a gripping—and gritty—historical mystery for teens. *The Red Palace by June Hur. Feiwel and Friends, ...

The Wonderland Trials by Sara Ella

By Betsy Farquhar | Oct 10, 2022

Alice wants to be a Wonder and compete in the Wonderland Trials, but she's just an ordinary Normal girl in this inventive take on Alice ...

*Jack Zulu and the Waylander’s Key by S.D. Smith and J. C. Smith

By Betsy Farquhar | Sep 26, 2022

Jack Zulu finds adventure where he least expects it in this new middle grades fantasy series opener from S. D. Smith. Jack Zulu and the ...

Fantasy Books for Teen Girls: Keeper of the Lost Cities Read-Alikes

By Betsy Farquhar | Sep 20, 2022

We have several fantasy book lists here on Redeemed Reader, but this list is especially for those who enjoy books like Keeper of the Lost ...

Keeper of the Lost Cities: Is it Safe? Is it Good?

By Betsy Farquhar | Sep 19, 2022

Keeper of the Lost Cities is a wildly popular series for teens; what do we think about it? Keeper of the Lost Cities by Shannon ...

*The Song that Moves the Sun by Anna Bright

By Janie Cheaney | Aug 30, 2022

The Song that Moves the Sun takes four teens through the cosmos of Dante, with revelations on harmony, love, and friendship. *The Song that Moves ...

Skandar and the Unicorn Thief by A. F. Steadman

By Janie Cheaney | Jun 29, 2022

The much-hyped fantasy series opener Skandar and the Unicorn Thief breaks new ground in unicorn lore. Skandar and the Unicorn Thief by A. F. Steadman. ...

Your Pal Fred by Michael Rex

By Janie Cheaney | Jun 28, 2022

A fun graphic novel for young middle-graders, Your Pal Fred pictures a dystopian world startled by kindness. Your Pal Fred by Michael Rex. Viking, 2022, ...

*Watership Down by Richard Adams

By Janie Cheaney | Jun 7, 2022

Richard Adams' classic tale employs noble themes of vision, courage, and sacrifice among some of the most humble and ordinary of animals in their quest ...

The Dragon and the Stone (Dreamkeeper Saga #1) by Kathryn Butler

By Janie Cheaney | Jun 2, 2022

The Dreamkeeper Saga weaves Christian themes, Arthurian legend, and reliable fantasy tropes into a promising series for middle-graders. The Dragon and the Stone (Dreamkeeper Saga ...

The Last Mapmaker by Christina Soontornvat

By Janie Cheaney | May 17, 2022

In The Last Mapmaker, a low-born but spirited girl, an aged craftsman, and high stakes at sea make for a satisfying adventure. The Last Mapmaker ...

The Elk King by Jenn Discher

By Betsy Farquhar | May 16, 2022

Can the Elk King guard and protect the animals of Glenariff in the face of treachery? This talking animal story will delight fans of The ...

Alice’s Farm: a Rabbit’s Tale by Maryrose Wood

By Betsy Farquhar | May 12, 2022

Alice and her brother Thistle try to save a human's farm in this sweet animal story by the author of The Incorrigible Children of Ashton ...

Fire Bringer by David Clement-Davies

By Betsy Farquhar | May 9, 2022

Rannoch is marked from birth, a deer who faces his destiny in this Watership Down read alike for teens. Fire Bringer by David Clement-Davies. Firebird, ...

Glass Slippers by Leah Cypress

By Janie Cheaney | May 3, 2022

Glass Slippers reimagines the Cinderella story through the eyes of a third stepsister who is trying to sort truth from lies. Glass Slippers by Leah ...

The Ogress and the Orphans by Kelly Barnhill

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 26, 2022

In The Ogress and the Orphans, a winning fairytale, kindness and love overcome suspicion. The Ogress and the Orphans by Kelly Barnhill. Algonquin, 2022, 390 ...

The Aquanaut by Dan Santat

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 23, 2022

The Aquanaut packs unexpected heart into a fantastical story from the ocean depths. The Aquanaut by Dan Santat. Scholastic Graphix, 2022, 243 pages Reading Level: ...

New Picture Books: Knight Owl, Hello Puddle!, All from a Walnut, Hundred Years of Happiness

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 20, 2022

Four new picture books take a humorous look at knighthood, explore backyard science, and appreciate grandparents. Knight Owl by Christopher Denise. Little, Brown, 2022,40 pages ...

The Sheep, the Rooster, and the Duck by Matt Phelan

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 1, 2022

A swashbuckling rooster, a designing sheep and a clever duck change history in Matt Phelan’s latest flight of fancy. The Sheep, the Rooster, and the ...

Pony by R. J. Palacio

By Janie Cheaney | Mar 25, 2022

Pony mixes elements of historical fiction and fantasy to create a memorable coming-of-age tale. Pony by R. J. Palacio. Knopf, 2021, 304 pages Reading Level: ...

Fun with Words and Stories: Otto: A Palindrama and The Ice Cream Machine

By Janie Cheaney | Mar 19, 2022

Otto tells an extended story with pictures and palindromes, while The Ice Cream Machine spins six stories off one title prompt. Otto: A Palendrama by ...

The Barren Grounds and The Great Bear by David A. Robertson

By Betsy Farquhar | Nov 29, 2021

Morgan and Eli find their way through an attic portal into a new land, Misewa, in this engaging series for middle grades. The Barren Grounds ...

Andrew and the Firedrake by Douglas Wilson

By Betsy Farquhar | Nov 26, 2021

In this allegory for middle grades, Andrew journeys on a quest that includes delights, temptations, and dragons. Andrew and the Firedrake by Douglas Wilson. Canon ...

Here, There Be Dragons by James A. Owen

By Betsy Farquhar | Nov 26, 2021

John, Charles, and Jack go to the edge of the world in this wild, fantastic romp through the lands of myth and legend. Here, There ...

Dragons and Dragonslayers by Tim Chester

By Betsy Farquhar | Nov 15, 2021

Dragons and Dragonslayers by Tim Chester introduces young readers to eight dragon stories along with THE dragon story. Dragons and Dragonslayers by Tim Chester. Canonball ...

Sparrow Rising by Jessica Khoury

By Janie Cheaney | Oct 12, 2021

Sparrow Rising, the first volume of a promising new fantasy series for middle-graders, depicts a race of winged humans. Sparrow Rising (Skyborn #1) by Jessica ...

Smaug’s Kind: A List of Dragon Books

By Betsy Farquhar | Sep 20, 2021

In honor of Bilbo Baggins and his birthday this week (September 22), we have a book list celebrating his defeat of Smaug, the great dragon: ...

The Gilded Girl by Alyssa Colman

By Janie Cheaney | Sep 14, 2021

The Gilded Girl, a magical take on A Little Princess, takes readers to an alternative turn-of-the-century New York City. The Gilded Girl by Alyssa Colman. ...

Dead Wednesday by Jerry Spinelli

By Janie Cheaney | Sep 10, 2021

"Dead Wednesday" is supposed to be the day middle-schoolers contemplate their own mortality, but for one 8th-grader it's a turning point in life. Dead Wednesday ...

Homer on the Case by Henry Cole

By Janie Cheaney | Aug 11, 2021

Homer, a literate homing pigeon, uses his unusual skills to solve a mystery, in this gentle story for young middle-graders. Homer on the Case by ...

The Republic of Birds by Jessica Miller

By Janie Cheaney | Jul 30, 2021

The Republic of Birds takes us to an alternate czarist Russia, where humans are at war with an avian nation. The Republic of Birds by ...

*The Ship of Stolen Words by Fran Wilde

By Janie Cheaney | Jul 13, 2021

The Ship of Stolen Words is light, enjoyable fantasy anchored by a worthy theme. *The Ship of Stolen Words by Fran Wilde. Abrams, 2021, 386 ...

The Stolen Prince of Cloudburst by Jaclyn Moriarty

By Janie Cheaney | Jun 8, 2021

The familiar “child of destiny” trope receives a fresh, funny, and magical twist in The Stolen Prince of Cloudburst. The Stolen Prince of Cloudburst by ...

The Accidental Apprentice by Amanda Foody

By Janie Cheaney | May 14, 2021

The Accidental Apprentice kicks off this middle-grade fantasy series with a rush of wind and a menagerie of fantastic Beasts. The Accidental Apprentice (Wilderlore vol. ...

Thornwood by Leah Cypess

By Janie Cheaney | May 14, 2021

Thornwood recasts the tale of Sleeping Beauty as a castle-bound mystery, with twists and turns at every corner. Thornwood by Leah Cypress. Delacorte Press, 2021, ...

The House that Wasn’t There by Elana K. Arnold

By Janie Cheaney | May 13, 2021

In The House That Wasn't There, neighbors start off on the wrong foot, but soon discover a mysterious connection. The House That Wasn’t There by ...

Thought-Provoking YA Fantasy

By Hayley Morell | Apr 23, 2021

Between the two, The Theft of Sunlight and Into the Heartless Wood take on fairytales, humanity, and the complex web of sex trafficking. Into the ...

The Hedgehog of Oz by Cory Leonardo

By Hayley Morell | Apr 20, 2021

The Hedgehog of Oz is a tribute to Oz from the perspective of a very small but determined hedgehog. The Hedgehog of Oz by Cory ...

*Amber & Clay by Laura Amy Schlitz

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 12, 2021

Amber & Clay is a fascinating immersion into classic Greek civilization, seen through the eyes of two children, Socrates the sage, and a host of ...

Amari and the Night Brothers by B. B. Alston

By Hayley Morell | Feb 25, 2021

Move over Percy Jackson and Harry Potter, there's a new girl on the block in Amari and the Night Brothers! Amari and the Night Brothers ...

Enclave Escape Round-up: YA Fantasy & Dystopia

By Hayley Morell | Feb 24, 2021

Two series end and one begins in this round-up from Enclave Publishing, a Christian publishing house. Enclave's mission is "to get Christian speculative fiction directly ...

A Wolf for a Spell by Karah Sutton

By Janie Cheaney | Feb 16, 2021

In A Wolf for a Spell, wolves join forces with humans and the earth itself to defeat a foul plot against all. A Wolf for ...

Mulan: Before the Sword by Grace Lin

By Betsy Farquhar | Jan 27, 2021

The "prequel" to the new Disney Mulan movie, this middle grades story weaves together Chinese legend with Mulan's own tale to great effect. Mulan: Before ...

2021 Newbery Roundup #2: When You Trap a Tiger, Efren Divided, Magnificent Monsters of Cedar Street

By Janie Cheaney | Jan 19, 2021

Three more possible Newbery contenders we never got around to reviewing. When You Trap a Tiger by Tae Keller. Random House, 2020, 302 pages Lily, ...

2021 Newbery Roundup #1: Rick, Clean Getaway, A Game of Fox and Squirrels

By Janie Cheaney | Jan 12, 2021

We’re keeping an eye on children's books that have been talked up as possible contenders for the 2021 ALA Youth Media Awards (to be announced ...

The Prince Warriors Series by Priscilla Shirer with Gina Detwiler

By Betsy Farquhar | Dec 28, 2020

Battles on earth mirror those in the spiritual realm, and these young Prince Warriors learn to wield their spiritual armor in both places in this ...

*The Simple Art of Flying by Cory Leonardo

By Hayley Morell | Dec 16, 2020

A charming middle grade debut featuring a fractious, poetic parrot and a lonely little boy. *The Simple Art of Flying by Cory Leonardo. Aladdin, 2019. ...

Willa the Wisp by Jonathan Auxier

By Janie Cheaney | Dec 4, 2020

With Willa the Wisp, Jonathan Auxier introduces a magical chapter book series . The Fabled Stables: Willa the Wisp by Jonathan Auxier, illustrated by Olga ...

Outlaws of Time Series by N. D. Wilson

By Betsy Farquhar | Nov 23, 2020

Wilson's Outlaws of Time series is intense, time travel fun with plenty of action and philosophy thrown in. Great for young teens. Outlaws of Time ...

Two Excellent YA Fantasy Sequels

By Hayley Morell | Nov 18, 2020

The second book in a series faces a lot of pressure; here are two YA fantasy sequels that satisfy. Starsight by Brandon Sanderson, Delacorte Press, ...

A Wish in the Dark by Christina Soontornvat

By Janie Cheaney | Nov 3, 2020

A Wish in the Dark pits literal darkness against light in a unique Asian setting. A Wish in the Dark by Christina Soontornvat. Candlewick, 2020, ...

The Return of the Thief by Megan Whalen Turner

By Betsy Farquhar | Oct 26, 2020

Megan and I have followed Megan Whalen Turner’s Thief series for years, and we both pre-ordered the final book, The Return of the Thief, months before publication. And ...

The Time of Green Magic by Hilary McKay

By Janie Cheaney | Oct 13, 2020

"Green Magic" lurks in an ivy-covered house, in this delightful MG fantasy. The Time of Green Magic by Hilary McKay. Simon & Shuster (Margart McEldery ...

*Beyonders Trilogy

By Megan Saben | Oct 12, 2020

Jason, an ordinary American boy, is summoned into a world that needs a hero. Original, highly imaginative, full of action and characters who are ready ...

*Swift by R. J. Anderson

By Hayley Morell | Oct 1, 2020

A young piskey girl searches for truth as danger threatens her home and loved ones. *Swift by R. J. Anderson. Enclave Publishing, 2020. 272 pages. ...

Dust by Kara Swanson

By Hayley Morell | Sep 30, 2020

Neverland spills into modern day life and sets two young people on a collision course in this YA fantasy. Dust by Kara Swanson. Enclave Publishing, ...

Mortal Sight by Sandra Fernandez Rhoads

By Hayley Morell | Sep 30, 2020

Secrets, shadows, and Milton's Paradise Lost are woven together in a new YA fantasy. Mortal Sight by Sandra Fernandez Rhoads. Enclave Publishing, 2020. 304 pages. ...

The Door on Half-Bald Hill by Helena Sorensen

By Betsy Farquhar | Sep 28, 2020

Idris, Bard of Blackthorn, is on a quest for answers in this darkly brooding fantasy for teens and adults. The Door on Half-Bald Hill by ...

The Magic in Changing Your Stars by Leah Henderson

By Janie Cheaney | Sep 15, 2020

An aspiring dancer has a chance to "change the stars" for his grandfather when he is transported back to 1930s Harlem. The Magic in Changing ...

The Winter King by Christine Cohen

By Betsy Farquhar | Aug 31, 2020

The Winter King by Christine Cohen. Cannonball Books, 2019. 360 pages. Reading Level: Young adult/teen, ages 12 and up Recommend For: Ages 12 and up ...

The Arrow and the Crown by Emma Fox

By Betsy Farquhar | Aug 3, 2020

Adventure meets fairy tale in this delightful fantasy read for teens (and their parents!). The Arrow and the Crown by Emma Fox. Independently published, 2019. ...

Rapid Fire: YA Fantasy, July 2020

By Hayley Morell | Jul 14, 2020

Two series starters that fizzled and two new authors to enjoy. *Echo North by Joanna Ruth Meyer. Page Street Kids, 2020. 400 pages. The first ...

The Brotherband Chronicles by John Flanagan

By Betsy Farquhar | Jul 2, 2020

Swashbuckling adventure with mythical Medieval Vikings? Sign me up. The Brotherband Chronicles by John Flanagan. Philomel, 2011-present. Reading Level: Ages 12-15Recommended For: Ages 12 and ...

The Boy Who Grew Dragons by Andy Shepherd

By Janie Cheaney | Jun 15, 2020

Growing dragons in Grandad’s garden leads to predictable hijinks in this light-hearted series opener. The Boy Who Grew Dragons by Andy Shepherd, illustrated by Sam ...

Retro Reads: The Velveteen Rabbit and *Edward Tulane

By Janie Cheaney | May 15, 2020

The classic story of the Velveteen Rabbit and more recent story of Edward Tulane demonstrate the nature of true love. The Velveteen Rabbit, or How ...

By Janie Cheaney | Jan 16, 2020

Continuing our roundup of possible contender for the 2020 Newbery Medal All the Greys on Greene Street by Laura Tucker. Viking, 320 pages. Olympia’s artist ...

Newbery Roundup #1: The Line Tender, Tristan Strong, and 1919

By Janie Cheaney | Jan 6, 2020

Newbery season is upon us, culminating in the American Library Association Youth Media Awards on January 27. We've been keeping an eye on books that ...

The Fowl Twins by Eoin Colfer

By Janie Cheaney | Dec 13, 2019

While Artemis Fowl speeds toward Mars, the Fowl Twins step to starring roles in their own adventures in this page-turning series opener. The Fowl Twins ...

*Finding Narnia by Caroline McAlister

By Janie Cheaney | Dec 11, 2019

Finding Narnia takes us into the lives of two brothers whose childhood inspired one of the world’s greatest fantasy series. *Finding Narnia: the Story of ...

One Christmas Wish by Katherine Rundell

By Janie Cheaney | Dec 3, 2019

A lonely boy on Christmas Eve learns the power of giving through "One Christmas Wish." One Christmas Wish by Katherine Rundell, illustrated by Emily Sutton. ...

The Light Princess by George MacDonald {Rabbit Room edition}

By Betsy Farquhar | Nov 13, 2019

A beautiful new edition of The Light Princess complete with foreword by Jennifer Trafton, afterword by Andrew Peterson, and illustrated by Ned Bustard. The Light ...

Is Dracula Worth Reading?

By Betsy Farquhar | Oct 30, 2019

I am not a vampire fan. I am not a fan of weird Halloween decorations. It's downright creepy: ghouls, spider webs, zombie costumes, and, yes, ...

Song of the Abyss by Makiia Lucier

By Hayley Morell | Oct 15, 2019

Song of the Abyss is a sequel that does not disappoint and yet succeeds in its own right as a standalone novel. In our Redeemed ...

Time Twisters Series by Steve Sheinkin

By Janie Cheaney | Sep 17, 2019

In the “Time Twisters” series, Steve Sheinkin has fun with a discipline he usually takes seriously, starting with Abraham Lincoln. Abraham Lincoln, Pro Wrestler (Time ...

The Ranger’s Apprentice Series by John Flanagan

By Betsy Farquhar | Aug 15, 2019

A best-selling series for young teens set in a Medieval-esque, pseudo European world that combines adventure, heroism, villains, danger, and a touch of love. The ...

Max & the Midknights by Lincoln Pierce

By Janie Cheaney | Aug 14, 2019

A goofy plot and sword-and-sorcery setting make Max and the Midknights a fun series opener. Max and the Midknights by Lincoln Pierce. Crown, 2019, 279 ...