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.

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.

The Blue Sword (Robin McKinley)

Author Biography

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

Published By: Greenwillow Books

Year: 1982

ISBN: 987-0-688-00938-0

Reading Level: Grades 8 and up

Reader’s Annotation:

Stolen from her colony home by the Hill-king Corlath, Harry Crewe is trained as a warrior and discovers great fighting prowess and magic within herself. Can she use them to defend both the Hillfolk and her own people from a demon army?

Beast (Donna Jo Napoli)

Author Biography:

Donna Jo Napoli is head of the linguistics department at Swarthmore College in Pennsylvania. She has written dozens of books for children, tweens and young adults alike.

Published By: Atheneum Books for Young Readers

Year: 2000

ISBN: 0-689-83589-2

Reading Level: Grades 8 and up

Reader’s Annotation:

This retelling of “Beauty and the Beast” offers a Middle Eastern-flavored spin on the tale, told from the Beast’s point of view. Prince Orasmyn is transformed into a lion, a curse that only a woman’s love can break.