Guinevere's Gamble (Nancy McKenzie)

Author Biography

Nancy McKenzie has written multiple novels inspired by Arthurian legend, primarily centered on the figure of Guinevere. She lives in Connecticut.

Published By: Alfred A. Knopff

Year: 2009

ISBN: 978-0-375-84346-4

Reading Level: Grades 7 and up

Reader’s Annotation:

Young Guinevere joins her family at a conference of kings and finds herself despised by the High King’s sister, Princess Morgan. When Morgan’s scheming turns dangerous, what will Guinevere be forced to gamble in order to stop her?

The Fires of Merlin/Merlin, Book 3: The Raging Fires (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: 1998

ISBN: 0-399-23020-3

Reading Level: Grades 7 and up.

Reader’s Annotation:

The terrible dragon Valdearg has reappeared, and according to prophecy, only Merlin can vanquish him. But does the young wizard stand a chance after his powers are stolen from him? And even if he does, what will the cost of victory be?

Wolf-Speaker (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: 1994

ISBN: 0-689-31833-2

Reading Level: Grades 7 and up.

Reader’s Annotation:

Summoned to Dunlath Valley by its wolves, Daine finds its resources being depleted and a plot brewing against the crown. With her increasingly powerful wild magic, can she stop the villains in time?

Dragon Slippers/Dragonskin Slippers (Jessica Day George)

Author Biography

Jessica Day George has written fifteen fantasy novels for children and young adults, including the Dragon(skin) Slippers trilogy, the Princesses of Westfalen trilogy, and the Tuesdays at the Castle series. She lives in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Published By: Bloomsbury Publishing Plc.

Year: 2006

ISBN: 978-07475-8718-7

Reading Level: Grades 8 and up

Reader’s Annotation:

After bargaining with a dragon for her life and a pair of  shoes, Creel sets out to achieve her dream of dressmaking. But her new slippers are more than what they seem… if they fall onto the wrong feet, the kingdom will be doomed!

Mechanica (Betsy Cornwell)

Author Biography

Betsy Cornwell has written two YA fantasy novels, served as columnist and editor at Teen Ink, and taught multiple subjects at Notre Dame. She currently lives in Ireland.

Published By: Clarion Books

Year: 2015

ISBN: 978-0-547-92771-8

Reading Level: Grades 8 and up

Reader’s Annotation:

In this steampunk “Cinderella” retelling, mistreated stepdaughter Nick secretly hones her mechanical skills in her mother’s workshop. With the help of good friends and a little magic, will she invent her own happily ever after?

The Arkadians (Lloyd Alexander)

Author Biography

Lloyd Alexander (1924-2007) was the widely renowned author of numerous fantasy novels, most famously The Chronicles of Prydain. His honors include a 1966 Newbery Honor for The Black Cauldron and the 1969 Newbery Medal for The High King.

Published By: Dutton Children’s Books

Year: 1995

ISBN: 0-525-45415-2

Reading Level: Grades 7 and up

Reader’s Annotation:

A runaway bean counter, a mystical girl, a poet-turned-jackass, a village scapegoat, a king in disguise, a goat boy, a cunning sailor, mighty riders and wise women… Fate and adventure bring all these characters together in this witty reimagining of Greek mythology.

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?