49. The Sisters Grimm: The Fairy-Tale Detectives by Michael Buckley (Amulet Books, 2005)

BOOK: FANTASY, MYSTERY (ages 8-12)

Brief Description: Orphans Sabrina and Daphne have had it with foster homes and the orphanage. When a mysterious grandmotherly-type claims to be part of their family, the girls are quickly delivered to her home. Sabrina is less than convinced that this woman is their relative, but younger Daphne is immediately enchanted, in spite of the strange rules set forth in the house. When grandmother Relda Grimm reveals that they are part of the Grimm family, and that the Brothers Grimm were the first fairy tale detectives who set down the true stories of the "Everafters," Sabrina doesn't buy it, but when grandmother and her friend Canis are taken by a giant, the girls must consider whether they will rescue them, and if, indeed, they are really related and believe the stories that they have been told.

Awards: Border's Original Voice Award, 2005

Personal Opinion: This was a fun book for middle readers. Full of suspense and familiar fairy tale characters in various disguises, kids will delight in the story of Relda Grimm and her two grandchildren. Buckley does a clever job weaving various fairy tale characters into the story, and even throws in Puck from "A Midsummer Night's Dream" as well as the Queen of Hearts from Alice in Wonderland. This stew of fairy tale characters will create a memorable reading experience for younger readers.

Curriculum/Programming: After reading this book, kids could be instructed to research a few fairy tales, become familiar with the characters, and write their own short story disguising the characters in a new story of their own creation.

48. Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr, narrated by Alyssa Bresnahan (audio download, HarperAudio, 2008)

AUDIO BOOK: FANTASY, ROMANCE (ages 13-17)

Brief Description: The Summer King - Keenan - has lost his power; his mother, The Winter Queen has overtaken the summer court and the fey and the earth's mortals face danger and death as her cold overspreads all of nature. When Keenan meets Aislann, he feels he has met the Summer Queen - the only one who can combat the power of the evil of the Winter Queen and get Keenan back his powers. Here's the problem, though, she has had "the sight" (being able to see faeries) her whole life and detests the fey - she surely doesn't want to become one of them. This story surrounds Keenan's pursuit of Aislinn as she falls in love with Seth, her mortal best friend. Will she take the Hawthorn staff and accept her role as queen?

Awards: Best Original Voices Award, 2007

Personal Opinion: I was engrossed in this romantic tale of the world of faery in spite of its shortcomings. Marr nicely precedes each chapter with a quote tied to the content of the chapter, and, apparently from real books from the mortal world! The characters were believable, the plot tense and worrisome, and even the most powerful in the story are given flaws. I am not one to read sequels unless I am truly drawn into the story, and I'm eager to see what happens next in the series. Also, this book is truly for ages 13+ as there are a few scenes and some language for more sophisticated readers. As with a few other titles in this assignment, I began with the audio, which was quite good, but had to actually read the book to get to the content faster. As for the shortcomings, it seemed that there was much repetition and often confusing situations that I didn't think were described clearly enough. Even with these issues, the book was wonderful. I'm eager to recommend it at the library.

Curriculum/Programming: Create a royal crest for each of the courts - both winter and summer - and include symbolism pertinent to each of the courts. OR Compare this faery story to another story and list all the "rules" referenced in each book. OR Read one or more of the books mentioned at the beginning of each chapter and report findings.

46. Hereville: How Mirka Got Her Sword by Barry Deutsch (Amulet Books, 2010)

GRAPHIC NOVEL: FANTASY (ages 8-12)

Brief Description: The title and caption on the cover say it all - This graphic novel is the story of how 11-year-old Mirka, a troll-fighting Jewish girl, got her sword. Through a series of strange encounters, Mirka ends up conversing with a witch living in the woods even when her stepmother strictly forbade her from doing so. It was through the witch's advice that Mirka eventually outsmarted the troll to obtain her sword through a strange knitting competition; her dream is to be a dragon-fighter, so the sword will presumably help her in her journey.

Awards: Sydney Taylor Book Award; MANY nominations

Personal Opinion: I was surprised by the odd combination of knitting, religion and fantasy in this interesting little graphic novel. Mirka is a fantastic heroine who respects her Jewish traditions but also dares to step outside the boundaries on occasion. In the end, I enjoyed the book, especially the Yiddish and the helpful translations, and the quirky and fun character of Mirka. As I read, however, I just kept focusing on how strange the book was! Regardless, it has been circulating nicely at our library. Ultimately, I think it's wonderful to have a bit of religious culture mixed with fantasy!

Curriculum/Programming: This would be a fun book to include in a study of religious culture, especially as an introduction to some Jewish customs. Also, as an example of Manga, this would be good for a specific book group on manga drawing, although it seems to have some different characteristics in style than most Manga (I think!)

40. Magic Below Stairs by Caroline Stevermer (Dial Books, 2010)

BOOK: FANTASY (ages 8-12)

Brief Description: Orphan Frederick is a good boy who does what he's told. When he is "adopted" to be a servant in the wizard Lord Schofield's home, he unwittingly brings along a mischievous brownie named Billy Bly. When a dark curse appears at the home, and although Lord Schofield doesn't permit such creatures in his home, Billy Bly saves the day along with Frederick.

Awards: None

Personal Opinion: Didn't like it at all. This book was boring, lackluster and not a bit interesting. I think it had potential, but just fell short as the plot dragged considerably. There was not enough suspense to keep me interested, and it seemed there was much repetition. The characters were okay, but not completely compelling or authentic. I thought the actions of the characters were out of "character" and were really all over the place. Some may enjoy this story, but it simply didn't click for me at all.

Curriculum/Programming: I wouldn't use this book with students unless they were learning about sluggish plot structures and inauthentic characters; this book would then be a good example.

9. Museum of Thieves by Lian Tanner, Narrated by Claudia Black (Listening Library, 2010)

AUDIO BOOK: FANTASY (ages 9-14)

Brief Description: Welcome to the horrifying city of Jewel. Here, the Blessed Guardians rule over the city with an iron fist, claiming to protect the citizens, but is there a more evil intent behind their "goodness?" Meet Goldie Roth, who is tethered by a silver guardchain to her parents until her separation day arrives on her 16th birthday - all kids are tethered in this manner for their "protection." But something goes wrong on her separation day, and she finds herself running away when a bomb has frightened the citizens of Jewel, and Goldie would lose her privilege of separating. She ends up in the Museum of Thieves, a strange place full of secrets that could destroy the city of Jewel; it is here that Goldie meets the four guardians and is trained by them to hone her thieving skills. These five characters must work together to combat the powers of the Blessed Guardians as they strive for their own, and ultimately their world's, survival.

Awards: None

Personal Opinion: What a strangely compelling tale! I found myself somewhat confused about this world, but that could be because of the stop and start audio experience. The museum is alive and moving, and it's at once terrible and comforting for Goldie. The characters were interesting as they were eccentric and clever. Underlying the charming story of Goldie's interaction with the Museum's guardians is a current of fear. The Blessed Guardians were quite a frightening lot, and I was reminded often of nuns and priests ruling with iron fists, adhering to the letter of the law in all circumstances. Goldie's transition, though, was wonderful. From being overprotected at the story's beginning to gaining her own independence, Goldie shows a remarkable courage to fight the powers of evil. The narrator was quite exceptional, but the screeching and yelling and shouting was just annoying. Still, she distinguished character's voices clearly and included wonderful sound effects to bring the story to life.

Programming: Kids imagine themselves as the maker of the guardchains in the City of Jewel and report on the merits of the position in a written format answering the questions: How do you see your job in the city? What do you think about the rules of tethering? What do you think of the city's rulers?