The Woman Who Rides Like a Man (Tamora Pierce)

Author Biography

Tamora Pierce has written numerous renowned fantasy novels, set in either the “Tortall” universe or the “Circle” universe. In 2013 she received the Margaret A. Edwards award for her body of work.

Published By: Atheneum Books for Young Readers

Year: 1986

ISBN: 0-689-31117-6

Reading Level: Grades 7 and up

Reader’s Annotation:

Now a full-fledged lady knight, Alanna wanders the desert and finds herself adopted by a Bazhir tribe. The following months see her struggle, learn, teach, and grow both as a warrior and as a woman.

Serpentine (Cindy Pon)

Author Biography

Cindy Pon is the author of four YA fantasy novels and a member of the We Need Diverse Books advisory board. In 2011, she co-founded the Diversity in YA blog with Malinda Lo.

Published By: Month9Books

Year: 2015

ISBN-10: 1942664338

ISBN-13: 978-1942664338

Reading Level: Grades 8 and up

Reader’s Annotation:

Young handmaiden Skybright is more like a sister than a servant to her mistress Zhen Ni. But will their friendship survive if Zhen Ni learns Skybright’s dark secret – that she is actually half-human, half-serpent demon?

The Wings of Merlin/Merlin, Book 5: A Wizard's Wings (T.A. Barron)

Author Biography

T.A. Barron is a prolific author of books for children and young adults, particularly in the fantasy genre, as well as an active founder and supporter of conservation causes. He lives in Colorado.

Published By: Penguin Group USA

Year: 2000

ISBN: 0-399-23456

Reading Level: Grades 7 and up

Reader’s Annotation:

Three threats loom over Fincayra: its tyrannical king’s return, a mysterious warrior’s bloody rampage, and an invasion of monstrous spirits from the Otherworld. Can Merlin stop them all, or is this the end of the magical world he calls home?

Ella Enchanted (Gail Carson Levine)

Author Biography

Gail Carson Levine is the award-winning author of numerous books for children and young adults, mostly inspired by fairy-tales. She lives in New York’s Hudson Valley.

Published By: HarperCollins

Year: 1997

ISBN: 978-0-06-440705-2

Reading Level: Grades 6 and up

Reader’s Annotation:

In this inventive “Cinderella” variation, a fairy’s spell forces Ella to obey every command she hears. But her inner strength, sharp wits, and love for Prince Char just might prove stronger than magic.

The Mirror of Merlin/Merlin, Book 4: The Mirror of Fate (T.A. Barron)

Author Biography

T.A. Barron is a prolific author of books for children and young adults, particularly in the fantasy genre, as well as an active founder and supporter of conservation causes. He lives in Colorado.

Published By: Penguin Group USA

Year: 1999

ISBN: 0-399-23455

Reading Level: Grades 7 and up

Reader’s Annotation:

A spell gone awry sends Merlin and his beloved Hallia to the Haunted Marsh. There they face terrible dangers and discover wondrous magic… including a mirror that contains the mists of time.