First Test (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: Random House Inc.

Year: 1999

ISBN: 0-679-88914-0

Reading Level: Grades 7 and up

Reader’s Annotation:

As the first openly female page in Tortall, Kel is an outcast among the boys and disdained by conservative adults. But she stands firm in her goal of becoming a knight to protect those in need.

Spindle's End (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: Penguin Putnam Books for Young Readers

Year: 2000

ISBN: 978-0-698-11950-5

Reading Level: Grades 10 and up

Reader’s Annotation:

In this imaginative retelling of “Sleeping Beauty,” a cursed princess is raised as a peasant by fairies to protect her. But the fate decreed at her birth can’t be altered… or can it?