Wild Orchid: A Retelling of "The Ballad of Mulan" (Cameron Dokey)

Author Biography

Cameron Dokey has written more than thirty books for young adults, including several titles in the Once Upon a Time series of fairy-tale and legend retellings. She lives in Seattle, Washington.

Published By: Simon Pulse

Year: 2009

ISBN: 978-1-4169-7168

Reading Level: Grades 6 and up

Reader’s Annotation:

Fiery, tomboyish, and skilled in the arts of combat, Mulan is a wildflower like the orchids she was named for. But does she have the mettle to go to war against China’s greatest enemies, while hiding her gender from her fellow soldiers?

The Hero and the Crown (Robin McKinley)

Author Biography

Robin McKinley has won multiple awards for her young adult fantasy novels, including the 1985 Newbery Medal for The Hero and the Crown. She lives in Hampshire, England.

Published By: Greenwillow Books

Year: 1984

ISBN: 0-688-02593-5

Reading Level: Grades 8 and up

Reader’s Annotation:

Awkward, unfeminine, of questionable blood, and with no magical skills, Aerin is an outcast in the royal court despite being the king’s daughter. But when a deadly dragon and wicked wizard threaten the kingdom, she just might prove herself a hero.

Lioness Rampant (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: 1988

ISBN: 0-689-31116-8

Reading Level: Grades 7 and up

Reader’s Annotation:

Alanna searches for the Dominion Jewel, which allegedly has the power to save a troubled realm. Her search could hardly be timelier, as sudden tragedy and an old enemy’s return bring Tortall to the brink of destruction.

Huntress (Malinda Lo)

Huntress (Malinda Lo)

Author Biography

Malinda Lo has written four LGBTQ-themed novels for young adults and is the former managing editor of AfterEllen.com, the largest entertainment news website for lesbians and bisexual women.

Published By: Little, Brown and Company

Year: 2011

ISBN: 978-0-316-04007

Reading Level: Grades 10 and up

Reader’s Annotation:

When endless winter threatens the Kingdom, Kaede and Taisin are sent to seek help from the Fairy Queen. But will the two girls have the strength to face the journey’s dangers, as well as their own forbidden love for each other?